Relation between Body Iron Status and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease
Mohammad Hassan Eftekhari1, Hassan Mozaffari-Khosravi, Farzad Shidfar
1Department of Nutrition, Research Centre for Health Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Insights
Elevated body iron stores are linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Researchers recommend caution with iron supplements and iron-rich foods for individuals with CVD.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Iron Metabolism
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Conflicting evidence exists on the link between iron stores and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Investigating body iron indices and cardiovascular risk factors is crucial for understanding CVD development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between body iron indices and cardiovascular risk factors.
- To clarify the role of iron metabolism in the pathogenesis of CVD.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 100 men aged 45+ with newly diagnosed CVD and 100 controls.
- Measured ferritin, iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), metabolic risk factors, C-reactive protein (CRP), and anthropometrics.
Main Results:
- Higher levels of LDL-c, CRP, and ferritin were observed in the CVD group compared to controls.
- Lower HDL-c levels were found in the CVD group.
- Ferritin, serum iron, waist circumference, and LDL-c showed significant correlations with CRP.
Conclusions:
- A positive iron balance is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Caution is advised regarding iron supplementation and consumption of iron-rich foods in patients with CVD.
Background:
There is conflicting evidence regarding the relationship between iron stores and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The present study aimed to investigate the association between body iron indices and some cardiovascular risk factors.
Methods:
In a case-control study conducted in the south of Shiraz, Iran, we determined ferritin, iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), metabolic risk factors, C-reactive protein (CRP), and anthropometric measurements in 100 men aged 45 years and higher with newly diagnosed CVD and 100 adjusted controls without evidence for CVD.
Results:
The mean of low density lipoprotein (LDL-c), CRP, and ferritin concentrations were significantly higher in cases than controls, and high density lipoprotein (HDL-c) was significantly lower in cases than controls. Pearson correlation coefficient between CRP and the other risk factors in case group showed that only ferritin, serum iron, waist circumference, and LDL-c significantly correlated with CRP (r = 0.32 with P < 0.001, r = 0.29 with P < 0.05, r = 0.41 with P < 0.01, and r = 0.36 with P < 0.001, respectively).
Conclusions:
This study indicated an association between a positive balance of body iron and CVD. Hence, caution should be exercised in administration of iron supplements to patients with CVD and in consumption of food rich in iron by them.
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