Iron Supplementation in Heart Failure

AbstractPurpose of ReviewIron deficiency is a common comorbidity in heart failure (HF) patients; it is detected in up to 50  % of patients with chronic HF and in up to 70% in patients with acute HF, often without concomitant anemia. HF patients are particularly susceptible to iron deficiency; disturbances in nutrition and gastrointestinal tract absorption, as well as excess blood loss may lead to absolute iron deficien cy, while chronic inflammatory state associated with HF may lead to functional iron deficiency. As iron contributes to cardiac and peripheral muscle dysfunction, iron deficiency is associated with poor exercise capacity, quality of life, and long-term outcomes.Recent FindingsThe understanding of iron homeostasis in HF patients has improved considerably during last decade, and new molecules involved in iron metabolism, such as hepcidin, have been described. Guidelines recommend the monitoring of iron parameters in all HF patients. Iron supplementation has been shown to considerably improve patients ’ symptoms, exercise tolerance, and quality of life, and also decrease the rate of rehospitalizations.SummaryID is common in HF patients regardless of concomitant anemia. Iron parameters should be measured in all HF patients, and iron supplementation should be considered when ID is detected, regardless of concomitant anemia. This review describes the current understanding of iron deficiency and considerations for its supplementation in HF patients.
Source: Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports - Category: Emergency Medicine Source Type: research