As we age, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases. Primary care doctors and cardiologists encourage a number of lifestyle modifications — good diet, exercise, weight loss, and maybe statins — to reduce that risk.
But some doctors are adopting alternative therapies — Plaquex and EDTA chelation — to help patients clear their circulatory systems of plaque and “bad” LDL cholesterol linked to heart disease.
Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino, D.O., has offered Plaquex to her patients in Miami Beach, and claims that it has shown real benefits.
Patients sit down with a cardiologist, Dr. Steven Schnur, and Tolentino — who is board certified in family medicine and certified in bio-identical hormone optimization — to go over the risks and benefits before starting either therapy.
“This is an alternative treatment and you won’t find it in mainstream medicine,” Tolentino says. “However, we have seen 20 treatments actually reverse plaque buildup in our patients.”
Plaquex is a mix of phospholipids made from soybeans, developed in Europe originally and now quite popular there. One IV treatment takes about one hour and Tolentino said she has not had any patients who have experienced side effects.
Plaquex is often used in conjunction with chelation therapy, which draws heavy metals, like lead, out of the body through the kidneys.
Plaquex is believed to reduce angina, decrease LDL cholesterol, increase “good” HDL cholesterol, lower lipoprotein A, improve sexual potency, lower high blood pressure, improve kidney function, and reduce homocysteine levels.
Most mainstream doctors rely on evidence-based studies to inform their treatment of patients and there isn’t a lot of research to support Plaquex at this time.
Chelation therapy was also largely dismissed by mainstream doctors for many years. But recent research —including National Institutes of Health-sponsored clinical trial led by Dr. Gervasio Lamas, chief cardiologist with the Columbia University Division of Cardiology at Mount Sinai — has found chelation can reduce the risk of a second heart attack and that Plaquex offers at least some cardiovascular benefits.
Tolentino says she has found that the procedure is beneficial for patients with high plaque buildup.
“Plaquex can keep plaque at a constant level or even decrease plaque build-up, instead of increasing it,” she says.
Tolentino compares the circulatory system to a well-traveled road where veins and arteries become damaged and weakened over time. Plaque builds up and restricts blood flow, leaving patients vulnerable to serious, even fatal, cardiac events. Plaquex, she explains, is a naturally occurring substance found in living cells, and therefore can safely and effectively replenish veins and arteries on a cellular level.
“Chelation is usually done in combination with Plaquex,” Tolentino says, “and treatment is determined by urinalysis. The patient is checked again after they begin treatments.”
What should you consider if you are interested in Plaquex?
If you can’t tolerate cholesterol-lowering medicines, Plaquex may be a viable alternative.
Plaquex and chelation therapy are not generally covered by insurance, so cost must be factored in.
Keep watch for more evidence-based medical studies that can give you a clear idea of risks vs. benefits.
Consult with your primary care physician or cardiologist before beginning any alternative therapy.
Consider the risk of invasive IV therapy and take steps to reduce infection.
Don’t give up on lifestyle modifications. A healthy diet and exercise combined with Plaquex will probably do more good than just IV treatment.