[Iron deficiency in heart failure. A new diagnostic therapy algorithm - evidence-tested and workable]

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency is a diagnostic and therapy-requiring comorbidity in heart failure with a negative impact on the prognosis. Even without signs of anemia, iron deficiency can lead to reduced performance with physical weakness and dyspnoea in patients with chronic heart failure.

Method: Well-known cardiologists discussed this at an expert meeting on the topic of iron deficiency in heart failure.

Results and conclusions: Despite the high relevance for patients' outcome, this complication is still under-addressed, although specific diagnosis and effective therapy are possible and are also recommended in current ESC guidelines. A new evidence-tested algorithm should now help to facilitate diagnosis and therapy in everyday practice. The prerequisite is that it can be well integrated into clinical routine.

Keywords: ferritin; heart failure; intravenous iron therapy; iron deficiency; transferrin saturation.