Glicklich D, Shin CT, Frishman WH
This review examines the intersection of heavy metal exposure, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. It summarizes clinical evidence showing that even low-level environmental lead exposure accelerates kidney function decline, and that weekly low-dose calcium EDTA chelation slowed that progression in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease.
In patients with chronic kidney disease and elevated body lead burden, weekly low-dose calcium EDTA chelation slowed the rate of renal function decline — in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients — suggesting a protective role for chelation beyond acute toxicity treatment.
Bottom line — This review consolidates the evidence linking environmental heavy metal exposure to chronic kidney and cardiovascular disease, and summarizes the case for chelation as an adjunctive therapy in affected populations. The strongest signals appear in patients with both elevated body lead burden and pre-existing kidney or cardiovascular disease — supporting a role for chelation beyond acute poisoning treatment.