Iron deficiency and cardiovascular disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Hematology

Background:

• Iron deficiency affects up to one-third of the global population.
• It is prevalent in elderly individuals and those with chronic diseases.
• Iron's role in cardiovascular health, including deficiency and excess, is increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the detrimental effects of iron deficiency in cardiovascular diseases.
• To explore the impact of iron deficiency on coronary artery disease, heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension.
• To assess the efficacy and safety of iron administration in cardiovascular patients.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and data synthesis on iron deficiency in cardiovascular medicine.
• Analysis of patient populations with heart failure and pulmonary hypertension.
• Evaluation of outcomes following intravenous iron administration.

Main Results:

• Iron deficiency is common in heart failure (approx. 33%) and pulmonary hypertension (over 50%).
• Intravenous iron administration improved symptoms in heart failure patients, potentially independent of anemia.
• Improved exercise capacity was observed in pulmonary hypertension patients receiving iron.

Conclusions:

• Iron deficiency poses risks in coronary artery disease, heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension.
• Intravenous iron shows therapeutic potential for symptomatic improvement in heart failure and pulmonary hypertension.
• Cardiac transplant recipients should avoid intravenous iron due to risks of iron overload and T-cell activation.