Iron Deficiency and its Relationship with Chronic Heart Failure- A Review

Abstract

Iron Deficiency (ID) is common in patients with cardiovascular disease. More than 64 million patients are suffering from chronic heart failure. The prevalence of iron deficiency increases with the severity of cardiac and renal dysfunction and is probably more common amongst women.

Aim: This review article discusses multifactorial pathophysiology, the relationship between clinical characteristics, functional and absolute ID, and the advantages of medicinal intervention in chronic heart failure (CHF). It also covers how iron shortage affects other body parts.

Approach: The most recent publications that included substantial scientific data on the connection between CHF and ID, with or without anaemia, were selected.

Discussion: Complex physiopathological interactions, including higher hepcidin levels, systemic inflammation, and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, have been identified in these patients. These mechanisms exacerbate the outcomes for patients by amplifying the severity of anemia, chronic heart failure (CHF), and Chronic kidney disease (CKD). Research in this area has been limited and has shown inconsistent findings. Still, it has also examined evidence-based treatment approaches and diagnostic guidelines, especially in relation to iron supplements and erythropoietin-stimulating medications.

Conclusion: Anemia is a frequent chronic heart failure consequence and a poor prognostic factor. We still don't completely understand the many complex causes of anemia. Iron deficiency screening is highly recommended for people with cardiac ailments because of its significance for their prognoses. Due to the paucity of research proving its effectiveness, the high incidence of unfavourable gastrointestinal side effects, and the prolonged length of time required for treatment to boost haemoglobin levels, an oral iron supplement is not advised for people with chronic heart failure. An insufficient amount of iron not only impacts the heart but also various other body components.

Keywords: Heart failure (HF); acute coronary syndrome (ACS); cardiovascular disease (CVD); chronic heart failure (CHF); chronic kidney disease (CKD).; hemoglobin (Hb); iron deficiency (ID); iron-binding capacity (TIBC); low ejection fraction (LVEF); mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH); rennin angiotensin-aldosterone system's (RAAS).