Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2025

Measurement of Tissue Non-Heme Iron Content using a Bathophenanthroline-Based Colorimetric Assay
Published on: January 31, 2022
Heart Failure-Related Iron Deficiency Anemia Pathophysiology and Laboratory Diagnosis
Silvio Nunes Augusto1, Pieter Martens2
1Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
The goal of the current review is to give an overview regarding the pathophysiology of iron deficiency in heart failure and how different laboratory tests change in the setting of heart failure.
Recent Findings:
Recent studies have questioned the current employed definition of iron deficiency in the field of heart failure, as patients with ferritin < 100ng/ml but TSAT > 20% have a better prognosis, no iron deficiency on bone marrow staining, and altered treatment response to ferric carboxymaltose. This review summarizes changes in iron parameters in the setting of heart failure and underscores the importance of a reduced bioavailability of iron documented by a low serum iron or TSAT, irrespective of the presence of anemia.
Related Concept Videos
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Heart Failure I: Introduction
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions
Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations
Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation

