Blocked Circulation
by Dr. Fred Hui M.D.
Blocked Circulation
How to unplug arteries with “Chelation Therapy”
As we age, our “pipes” get rusty. Poor circulation, with reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues and organs leads to symptoms such as:
- Angina pains (tightness in the chest),
- pain in the calf when walking,
- shortness of breath when one has to walk fast or go up stairs,
- cold feet, cold hands,
- shrinkage of the brain due to impaired blood flow,
- difficulties with memory,
- poor eye sight, “macular degeneration,”
- failing sexual function,
- reduced skin thickness and resultant dryness,
- decreased density of bones and joints, “osteoporosis,”
- Higher blood pressure, and more,
Conventional medical measures have their usefulness and are often life saving.
Stopping smoking, trying to loss weight, controlling blood sugar, exercising are good basic measures.
It also helps to understand the rationale of the various medications being used for heart and circulation problems. Aspirin, warfarin, or other blood thinners are to prevent blood from clotting; Stains are used to lower cholesterol; Beta blockers aims to prevent excessive speed and therefore strain on a already diseased heart; Ace inhibitors helps to lower blood pressure so that there is less obstruction to flow. Balloon angioplasty or bypasses were surgical interventions that were meant to unblock a regional segment of blood vessels.
But, in spite of their best efforts, many patients still suffer from symptoms and consequences of the phenomena of arteriosclerosis.
What extra measures (conventional and unconventional) can we undertake to address the problem?
Cutting down intake of carbohydrates (starchy food) helps to prevent excessive stimulation of body’s insulin secretion. Hyperinsulism contribute to excessive appetite, accelerated conversion of sugar into fat (around your waist, and around the artery wall). Eating fat build fat was a myth. Eating starch build fat is so true.
Supplementing with good minerals such as magnesium (suggest Mg Citrate 250-300mg twice/day with meals) relaxes arterial spasm, and help to lower blood pressure. Chromium(suggest 400g twice/day) can stabilizes blood sugar and appetite.
Antioxidants such as vitamin C (1000mg), vitamin E (400mg), beta-carotene, selenium, etc. have a “rust proofing” effect on the arteries. Vitamin C is a generous donor floating in the blood ready to give up electrons to satisfy “free radicals” that would otherwise damage tissues and DNA. Vitamin E, resting as a line of defense on all cell membranes, acts like a “banker” ready to give unlimited financing to vitamin C as it gives away it’s electrons. Antioxidants work as a team, so it is wise to take various ones.
Antibiotics have been found by some doctors to be useful. There is evidence that bacteria infections may be the reasons why artery walls thickens up like skins infected by warts. There is one type of bacteria implicated, called nanobacter. They secrete a film of calcium coverage to prevent themselves from the scrutiny of the body’s white blood cells. In my office, instead of using a long course of antibiotic, I use intravenous hydrogen peroxide to do the cleaning, and Chelation therapy to lift off their coverings.
Latest advance in blood tests that you can request your physician to check for you:
- Homocysteine – a metabolic byproduct that is toxic to the blood vessels.
- Highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) –a marker to detect the presence of inflammation or infection that irritates the inner lining of the blood vessels. (New England Journal of Medicine, Nov 2002).
- Fibrinogen – an excessive blood clotting protein. (Reader’s Digest, Dec 2002)
- LP(a) – Lipoprotein(a), an extra “criminal member of the bad cholesterol family. (Reader’s Digest, Dec, 2002)
- Ferritin- Excessive iron storage can lead to accelerated arteriosclerosis. Women have the advantage of their monthly menstrual cycle to prevent excessive accumulation. That may explain why an average retirement home have a lot more ladies there left than man.
Early detection of the above risk factors can lead to employment of some simple corrective measures.
Chelation Therapy is an underutilized, under-recognized, unconventional method of treatment. It has been found to be a very successful method to treat the problem of blocked arteries. It has been used since World War II. Due to the threat of loss of business for the pharmacological industry and heart surgeons, the treatment has always faced resistance by the conventional medical establishment. There was initial criticism, by opponents, of the side effects it produces, if improperly administered. But, the criticism was found to be unfounded since an international protocol was established. The protocol has been found to be one of the safest methods of treating heart disease. Hundreds of thousands of patients who receive such treatment around the world have not reported any significant side effects. The critics have been, strategically, citing the earlier problems of 30 years ago to criticize the treatment.
Patients with heart problems, difficulty walking, or breathing, can often regain energy and return to their normal life after Chelation Therapy. There are also reports of other improvements in body function, such as with: eye sight, sexual function, and normalization of blood pressure.
Chelation Therapy is a series of intravenous infusions that some people refer to as being “Draino infusions for blocked arteries”. Some of the key ingredients include:
- “EDTA” (Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetate) — a metal binding agent that has the magnetic ability to attract and “hand cuff” heavy metals and misplaced calcium that have been hardening and calcifying our arterial “pipes”.EDTA is used in tomato catsup and mayonnaise to prevent bacterial growth. Maybe it can help to restore health to blood vessels by this same mechanism.
- A high dose of vitamin C – to work as an anti-oxidant, neutralizing harmful free radicals in our circulation. In this way, Vitamin C serves to “rust proof” the linings of our arterial pipes. It should be noted that the amount of vitamin C that can be given intravenously is much higher than what can be given orally without causing diarrhea.
- A high dose of magnesium — to relax the arteries and return flexibility to our arterial “hose”. Again it should be noted that the amount of magnesium is often much higher than what can be given orally without causing diarrhea.
- Vitamin B12 — provides energy to every cell.
- Vitamins B6 and B1 work together to reduce toxic substances like “homocystine” that accelerate the blockage of arteries.
Patients who choose chelation therapy have usually heard from other patients’ personal experience. The cost of Chelation Therapy usually involves 20-40 sessions of intravenous infusion. The average cost of the chelation therapy treatment is about $120 Canadian dollars per session. Patients usually spend two hours sitting, knitting, reading and chatting with fellow chelation patients and staff. To find a Chelation doctor in your area, one can look up at http://www.acam.org
With all these extra measures, even some of the most difficult patients that have failed the conventional treatment can recover to a very healthy level of functioning.
References:
- Boyle, A.J., Mosher, R.E.: & McCann, D.S.: Somme in Vivo Effects of Chelation – 1, Journal of Chronic Diseases, (16) 325-328, 1963.
- Casdorph, H. Richard: EDTA Chelation Therapy, Efficacy of Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease, Journal of Holistic Medicine, vol. 3, No. 1, 53-59, 1981.
- Clarke, Sr., N.E.: Atherosclerosis, Occlusive Vascular Disease and EDTA, the American Journal of Cardiology, 233-236, Aug., 1960 (VL #2)
- Clarke, N.E., Clarke, C.N., Mosher, R.E: Treatment of Angina Pectoris With Disodium Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid. American Journal of the Medical Sciences, 232, 654-666, Dec., 1956
- Clarke, N.E., Clarke, C.N., Mosher, R.E: The “In Vivo” Dissolution of Metastatic Calcium, American Journal of Medical Sciences, 142-149, 1955 (229). (229).
- Dwyer, F.P., and Mellor, D. P. , editors; Chelating Agents and Metal Chelate, New York, Academic Press, Inc., 1964
- Rasmussen T, Kirkland B, MillerV et al., Mayo Clinic & University of Texas; Electron Microscope & Immunological Evidence of Nanobacterial Structures in Calcified Carotid Ateries, aortic Aneursyms and Cardiac Valves, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 1009-79, March 2002.
Hypertension
By Dr. Fred Hui
WHAT IS HYPERTENSION?
Hypertension is the medical term for High Blood Pressure (b.p). When you measure your b.p at home or at a clinic, what you’re actually measuring is the pressure on the inner walls of your arteries, caused by the blood flowing through them.
THE ‘BLOCK IN THE FLOW’ AND AGING – TWO MAJOR UNDERLYING CAUSES
1) PLAQUES
One of the major causes of increase in b.p is the presence of physical blocks, or plaques, in the circulation (atherosclerosis). The formation of these plaques is explained below:
As the body ages, a natural and gradual destructive process called LIPID PEROXIDATION destroys the walls of the arteries. In this process, the lipid content of the cells of the arterial walls, get degraded by free radicals.
This damage is repaired by the body, leaving a scar.
Over time, cholesterol may get deposited at these sitesforming SOFT PLAQUES.
Later, as years go by, calcium and other hard minerals may get deposited over these SOFT PLAQUES, causing the formation of HARD PLAQUES. The difference between soft and hard plaques is the presence of hard mineral deposition like calcium.
1) AGE – RELATED HARDENING OF ARTERIES
This is another major cause of hypertension.
As the body ages, the walls of the blood vessels lose their elasticity and flexibility, and become stiffer with time (arteriosclerosis). This is due to formation of cross-linkages in the connective tissue in the arterial walls. Calcium deposition in the blood vessels, as a result of aging, causes further stiffening.
THE ‘WIND TUNNEL EFFECT’ AND RAISED B.P
PLAQUES HARDENED ARTERIES
(Physical obstruction in the circulation) (Blood flows through a `rigid pipe`)
————————————————
NARROWING OF ARTERIES
(`wind tunnel effect`)
| Blood has to be pumped with more force to overcome the resistance, so that it can be pushed through these narrowed arteries and be delivered to every organ. |
| The volume of blood reaching the kidneys per minute decreases due to these reasons.As a result, KIDNEY SENSORS sense a decreased blood flow and assumes that the body is losing blood (eg:- by an active bleeding). |
| The kidneys now aim to increase blood volume by excreting lesser water and conserving more. |
| As a result of this, more blood now has to be pumped through these narrowed arteries, with more force. |
OTHER CAUSES OF HYPERTENSION
Apart from narrowing arteries and age-related stiffening of arteries, hypertension can also be caused by various other conditions including:
- adrenal tumours,
- hyperthyroidism,
- renal diseases and
- certain medications
These causes have to be ruled out– and this is where your history of illness, clinical findings and lab investigations play a crucial role.
HYPERTENSION AND MEDICATION
Many people falsely believe that they’re healthy as long as their “numbers are good”. If you are on a BP pill, and your BP is controlled, it only means that it’s ‘controlling’ the problem. BP pills, unfortunately, do not work at the source of the problem and hence conceals its presence. So, in time, you may require higher doses to control your levels. This is the biggest indicator to the fact that the underlying problem exists, and is getting worse.
Apart from concealing the underlying issue, BP medications can have a spectrum of side effects that you must be aware of. BP medications are classified based on the way they work, and each kind comes with its own share of problems.
Find the drug you’ve been taking from the list below. Can you relate to these side effects?
1) Water Pills (Diuretics)
| Examples | How they work | Side effects |
| Lasix (Furosemide)Aldactone (Spironolactone)Inspra (Eplerenone) | Increases excretion of water and salt from the body, thereby reducing blood volume and blood pressure. | Urination, thirstDizziness on getting up quicklyBody drynessMay sugar levelsImpotence, low libidoGout |
2) ACE INHIBITORS
| Examples | How they work | Side Effects |
| Altace (Ramipril)Coversyl ( Perindopril)Zestril or Prinivil (Lisinopril) | See flowchart below | Dry coughHigh potassium levels |
How ACE Inhibitors work:
Narrowed Arteries
Volume of blood flowing through kidney per minute decreases
Sensors in kidneys get activated (they assume that blood volume is low)
Causes secretion of Renin as a “YELL FOR HELP”
Renin starts a cycle in response, which ultimately causes retention of water, and thereby increases blood volume and blood pressure.
ACE Inhibitors block this cycle. They also allow arteries to dilate and hence lower bp.
1) The ARB’s
| Examples | How they work | Side effects |
| Atacand (Candesartan)Cozaar (Losartan)Avapro (Irbesartan) Diovan (Valsartan)Micardis (Telmisartan) | The ARB’s also work by blocking the above mentioned cycle, but at a different stage. | DizzinessHigh potassium levelsCough is lesser or absent, when compared to ACE inhibitors. |
2) Beta Blockers
| Examples | How they work | Side effects |
| Tenormin (Atenolol)Betaloc/ Lopressor (Metoprolol)Emcor/ Cardicor (Bisoprolol) | By dilating blood vessels, as a result of blocking a stimulatory secretion called Adrenaline. | Too slow heart rateDepressionTiredness, drowsinessDizzinessSexual Dysfunction |
3) Calcium Channel Blockers
| Examples | How they work | Side effects |
| Norvasc (Amlodipine)Adalat/ Procardia (Nifedipine)Cardizem /Tiazac (Diltiazem)Verelan (Verapamil) | It dilates the return pipes. This includes veins and lymph vessels too. | Swelling in feetConstipationDizzinessPainful, bleeding gums |
CHELATION AND HYPERTENSION
Chelation works at the root of the problem. Instead of dilating the blood vessels with pills for the rest of your life, it clears the path and allows a smooth blood flow. As an added advantage, you could be free from the side effects of these pills.
Depending on my assessment for your condition, you may be prescribed chelation treatments with EDTA and/ or PLAQUEX to clear your circulation.
Detailed information, testimonials and PROS AND CONS of these treatments are further discussed in detail in the CD, DVD and hand-outs that will be provided to you at the front desk.
A few points on these treatments are given below:
1) EDTA – Ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid
- Used on HARD PLAQUES – EDTA may bind and remove the hard mineral deposits and certain toxic heavy metals like lead, aluminum, cadmium etc.
- By removing hard plaques, EDTA may help to improve circulation to all organs including the brain, heart, kidneys etc. As a result of this, you may greatly reduce incidence of strokes, heart attacks, angina, peripheral vascular diseases, diabetic complications etc.
- EDTA may also decrease free radical damage, deposition of calcium in blood vessels, and improve flexibility of arteries in older patients.
- The treatment is an 90-120 minute intravenous infusion of EDTA in a bag of sterile water containing a mixture of vitamins and minerals.
- You will typically require 20-30 sessions, depending on the severity of your condition – you may start seeing differences by 10 sessions. You will be reviewed every 10-20 treatments through a follow-up appointment with me, and your progress will be assessed.
- The frequency of treatments is usually 1-2 times/week. After your prescribed number of treatments and satisfactory progress is achieved, you may taper to a maintenance dose of once/month, to keep the circulation clear from deposits.
- Every 5 treatments with EDTA, you will be given a Vitamin treatment- this is a 90 minute intravenous infusion of several vitamins and minerals. Along with this vitamin treatment, a blood work to assess your kidney function will also be done.
- RUSTPROOFING – While you are on EDTA treatments, you will also be put on a vitamin, mineral and antioxidant supplementation called Ultra Balance III – 3 pills twice a day.
A few cons of EDTA treatment:
1) May not be suitable for patients with already-weak kidneys.
- This is because EDTA binds and removes hard mineral deposits and toxic metals that have accumulated in the body for several years. These have to be excreted, but weak kidneys cannot excrete this load of toxic metals that gets washed out with each treatment.
What can be done about this?
- EDTA will hence be prescribed only after an initial blood workup is done and your kidneys are found to be in good function. Also, after every 5 treatments with EDTA, another blood work to assess your kidney function will be repeated.
- If your kidney function is being affected, you may either be given a smaller dose, or switched entirely to Plaquex (which is absorbed through the intestines), depending on my assessment of your condition.
2) May deplete the vitamins and minerals in your body.
- Along with removing the hard mineral deposits and heavy metals, EDTA may also strip your body of vitamins and minerals.
- You will hence be put on a vitamin, mineral and antioxidant supplementation called Ultra Balance III – 3 pills twice a day.
- Every 5 treatments with EDTA, you will be given a Vitamin treatment– this is an intravenous infusion of several vitamins and minerals.
2) PLAQUEX – Phosphatidyl choline
- Used for removal of SOFT PLAQUES.
- Plaquex treatment is used to remove cholesterol deposition (soft plaques) in the arteries. It also decreases the damage to the walls of the arteries caused by lipid peroxidation (explained in pg.1) and thus helps to prevent further damage as well.
- It may also improve the flexibility of aging blood vessels by improving elasticity, shape and function of the cells in the arterial walls.
- By removing soft plaques and increasing flexibility of arteries, Plaquex improves the circulation to all organs of the body and thus, may help prevent heart attacks, angina, strokes, diabetic complications etc.
- Plaquex treatment is a 90-minute intravenous infusion of Phosphatidyl choline in a bag of 5% Dextrose solution.
- You will typically require 20-30 sessions, depending on the severity of your condition. You may start seeing differences by about 10 sessions.
- The frequency of treatments is usually 1-2 times/week. After satisfactory progress is achieved, you may taper to a maintenance dose of once/month, to keep the circulation clear.
- Further information on Plaquex can be available to you at www.plaquex.net.