June 19, 2026Journal of the American College of Cardiology185 citationsOpen Access
View Full PaperHeavy Metals, Cardiovascular Disease, and the Unexpected Benefits of Chelation Therapy
Key Points
- The study aims to explore the connection between heavy metals and cardiovascular disease risk, highlighting possible benefits of chelation therapy.
- Reviewed evidence from the TACT trial on chelation therapy.
- Examined epidemiological data correlating heavy metal accumulation with cardiovascular disease risk.
- Presented details of the planned NIH trial, TACT2, to replicate previous findings.
- TACT trial showed unexpected positive results for chelation therapy in cardiovascular disease.
- Higher levels of metals like lead and cadmium are associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk.
- The upcoming TACT2 trial aims to validate chelation therapy's effectiveness in removing toxic metals.
Abstract
This review summarizes evidence from 2 lines of research previously thought to be unrelated: the unexpectedly positive results of TACT (Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy), and a body of epidemiological data showing that accumulation of biologically active metals, such as lead and cadmium, is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Considering these 2 areas of work together may lead to the identification of new, modifiable risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. We examine the history of chelation up through the report of TACT. We then describe work connecting higher metal levels in the body with the future risk of cardiovascular disease. We conclude by presenting a brief overview of a newly planned National Institutes of Health trial, TACT2, in which we will attempt to replicate the findings of TACT and to establish that removal of toxic metal stores from the body is a plausible mechanistic explanation for the benefits of edetate disodium treatment.