[Targeted treatment of heart failure: iron deficiency and intravenous iron supplementation]

Iron deficiency in patients with heart failure is frequently underdiagnosed or inadequately treated. This may be largely attributable to differences in the diagnostic criteria compared to those applied in individuals without chronic disease. Nonetheless, the clinical relevance of identifying and treating iron deficiency in this population is substantial. Numerous studies have demonstrated that intravenous iron therapy not only alleviates symptoms and improves quality of life and exercise capacity, but also reduces the combined endpoint of morbidity and mortality. This review discusses current and emerging definitions of iron deficiency in the context of heart failure, emphasizing their implications for diagnosis. Furthermore, it summarizes the available evidence on clinical outcomes and provides an overview of established and evolving therapeutic strategies.