Dear Dr. Gott: I am a 76-year-old male who has been diagnosed with blocked coronary arteries. One vessel is 40 percent to 59 percent blocked, and another is 60 percent to 70 percent occluded, according to my last echocardiogram At present, I am taking Crestor, Cholest Off twice daily, niacin 500 milligrams twice daily and 1,200 milligrams fish oil twice daily.

I've read on the Internet about intravenous or oral EDTA chelation. It states that it is effective 80 percent in cleansing the arteries. What is your opinion of chelation?

Would you advise me to try the treatment? I am supposed to return in six months for another examination. Thank you for answering my letter.

Dear reader: EDTA chelation therapy is a series of intravenous infusions that contain disodium EDTA, along with a variety of other substances. Proponents claim the process is effective against heart disease and is purported to be a valid alternative to coronary-artery-bypass procedures.

The problem here is that there is absolutely no scientific evidence to support the claim. It is important to note that neither the American Heart Association nor the Food and Drug Administration recommend the process for any form of heart disease.

Having stated this, I will now answer your question: no. I cannot in clear conscience advise you to consider the process. You have only one heart, and you owe it to yourself to be under the care of a reputable cardiologist whom you can trust.

Unless standards have changed, you are not a candidate for bypass surgery at this time.

Modify your diet, exercise as much as possible under physician direction, and take any appropriate prescription medication.

I see no harm in continuing your Crestor and the over-the-counters you are presently taking. I should also note that chelation is a valid medical treatment for heavy-metal poisoning.

The EDTA binds with the metals, thus removing them from the body. Under these circumstances, it can be a life saving medical procedure.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Coronary Artery Disease." Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: Both of my great toes are rather sore and have a hard lump midway on the inside nearest to the first toe. I read your articles faithfully, but must have missed the one on ingrown toenails. I've always tried to keep my toenails cut straight across, but I need some help at this point.

Dear reader: I am not sure from your brief description that I can identify your problem. Perhaps the lumps are ingrown toenails, but they could also be warts or abnormal growths. Perhaps your bumps are signs of joint damage owing to arthritis. What has me puzzled is that you indicate you have these lesions bilaterally.

Make an appointment with your primary-care physician, who will examine you and then determine what they might be, followed by what the best approach for treatment is.

If you fail to get a satisfactory answer, request a referral to a podiatrist or orthopaedic foot specialist.