Iron Deficiency in Heart Failure: What Do We Know So Far?

Abstract

Iron is vital for multiple biological processes in the human body. Heart failure (HF) patients are at a high risk of becoming iron deficient. Iron deficiency is a marker of severe HF and an ominous sign of poor outcomes. Iron deficiency can be absolute (low iron stores) or functional (improper functioning in the metabolic processes). The European Society of Cardiology recommends routine screening of iron stores in HF patients using ferritin and transferrin saturation. It advises iron replacement in deficient patients irrespective of the presence of anemia. Iron replacement improved HF symptoms, exercise capacity, and quality of life in deficient patients. It alleviates their disordered breathing during sleep. Therefore, the treatment of iron deficiency is an important target in managing HF. Oral iron is not effective in repleting iron stores in HF patients. Intravenous iron is an effective way to replenish iron stores in this cohort.