Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2026

A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level
05:35

A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level

Published on: January 19, 2024

Iron deficiency in heart failure: a practical guide

Nicole Ebner1, Stephan von Haehling

  • 1Applied Cachexia Research, Department of Cardiology, Charité Medical School, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin 13353, Germany. stephan.von.haehling@web.de.

Nutrients
|September 26, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Iron deficiency is common in heart failure and worsens cardiovascular disease. Intravenous iron may improve therapy, but understanding iron metabolism and safe administration is crucial for patient care.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cardiology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Iron is essential for cellular functions, including oxygen and electron transport.
  • Iron deficiency is a frequent comorbidity in heart failure, often underestimated.
  • Its prevalence correlates with heart failure severity and contributes to anemia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review human iron metabolism.
  • To elucidate the impact of iron deficiency on heart failure progression and symptoms.
  • To discuss diagnostic methods and intravenous iron therapy in heart failure.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of iron metabolism and its role in heart failure.
  • Analysis of studies on intravenous iron agents in cardiovascular diseases.
  • Synthesis of current understanding of iron deficiency diagnosis and treatment.

Main Results:

  • Iron deficiency significantly impacts heart failure course and symptoms.
  • Intravenous iron administration shows promise in improving heart failure therapy.
  • Physician hesitancy exists due to reported side effects of intravenous iron.

Conclusions:

  • A comprehensive understanding of iron metabolism is vital.
  • Iron deficiency diagnosis and management are critical in heart failure patients.
  • Evidence-based guidance on intravenous iron use is needed to optimize patient outcomes.

More Related Videos

Post-Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure in Closed-chest Coronary Occlusion/Reperfusion Model in Göttingen Minipigs and Landrace Pigs14:35

Post-Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure in Closed-chest Coronary Occlusion/Reperfusion Model in Göttingen Minipigs and Landrace Pigs

Published on: April 17, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions01:30

Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions

The first step in nursing management of a patient with heart failure involves thoroughly assessing the patient's medical history.Subjective Data: Obtain the patient's medical history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and symptoms like dyspnea, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.Objective Data: Conduct a physical examination to identify findings such as jugular vein distention, pulmonary crackles, tachycardia, murmurs, peripheral edema, and vital signs,...
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies01:22

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
Heart Failure I: Introduction01:27

Heart Failure I: Introduction

Heart failure refers to a clinical syndrome caused by structural or functional cardiac disorders that prevent the heart from pumping an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's metabolic needs. This condition often arises from myocardial infarction or ischemia, leading to decreased cardiac output, reduced tissue perfusion, impaired gas exchange, fluid volume imbalance, and decreased functional ability.Heart failure can result from disruptions in the mechanisms that regulate cardiac output...
Heart Failure V: Medical Management01:30

Heart Failure V: Medical Management

Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation

Heart failure can be classified in various ways, with the most common classifications based on physical activity limitations, disease progression, severity, and treatment strategies.The Functional Classification of Heart Failure divides patients into four categories based on physical activity limitation due to symptom burden.Class I: Patients in this class have cardiac disease but no physical activity limitations. Ordinary activities like walking, climbing stairs, or routine tasks do not cause...
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management01:21

Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...