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Published on: February 26, 2013
The Prevalence of Iron Deficiency in Atrial Fibrillation: Low Hanging Fruit?
Bachar Alabdullah1, David Ferreira2, Erin Bourke1
1Cardiology Department, Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital, Dean Street, North Tamworth, NSW 2340, Australia.
Insights
Iron deficiency is common in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), affecting over 60%. This highlights a potential link between low iron levels and AF, suggesting further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia globally.
- The connection between AF and iron deficiency remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of iron deficiency in patients diagnosed with AF.
Main Methods:
- An observational study was conducted.
- Iron deficiency was identified using the American College of Cardiology (ACC) criteria for heart failure.
Main Results:
- Out of 134 participants, 81 (60.4%) exhibited iron deficiency.
- Iron deficiency correlated with female sex, diabetes, stroke history, and higher CHA2DS2-VASc and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores.
Conclusions:
- A significant prevalence of iron deficiency was observed in the AF population.
- These findings suggest that iron deficiency screening may be warranted in AF patients.
Abstract:
Background and Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia worldwide. The relationship between AF and iron deficiency is poorly understood. Materials and Methods: We conducted an observational study investigating the prevalence of iron deficiency in those with AF. Iron deficiency was defined by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) criteria for iron deficiency in heart failure. Results: Of 134 eligible subjects, 81 (60.4%) met the ACC definition of iron deficiency in heart failure. Those who were iron deficient were more likely to be female (OR 1.876, p = 0.005), have a history of diabetes mellitus (OR 3.085, p = 0.001) a history of stroke (OR 3.147, p = 0.016), and have higher CHA2DS2-VASc (p ≤ 0.0001) and Charlson Comorbidity Index scores (CCI) (p = 0.007). Conclusions: The prevalence of iron deficiency in those with AF appears high and warrants evaluation in a prospective study.
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