Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026
03:42
A Murine Model of Hyperlipidemia-Induced Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Published on: March 29, 2024
New-Onset Acute Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction Associated With Severe Microcytic Anemia
Annabel Ricci1, Cassandra Hunt1, Chabelly Gomez2
1St. George's University School of Medicine True Blue Grenada.
Clinical Case Reports
|June 8, 2026
Summary
Severe microcytic anemia can precipitate heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Prompt diagnosis and treatment of anemia are crucial for managing HFrEF and identifying reversible causes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Severe microcytic anemia can be a reversible cause of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).
- Undetermined etiology of severe anemia presents diagnostic challenges in heart failure patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic complexity of severe microcytic anemia in a patient with new-onset heart failure.
- To emphasize the hemodynamic consequences and management of anemia as a precipitating factor for HFrEF.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 60-year-old woman with new-onset heart failure and severe microcytic anemia.
- Clinical presentation, laboratory investigations (hemoglobin, MCV, iron studies), and initial management are described.
Main Results:
- Patient presented with acute dyspnea, chest pain, edema, severe microcytic anemia (Hb 4.5 g/dL, MCV 60.8 fL), and HFrEF (EF 33%).
- Iron studies indicated iron deficiency anemia; bleeding source was not identified.
- Patient received blood transfusion and intravenous iron for stabilization.
Conclusions:
- Severe anemia should be considered a potential precipitating factor in new-onset heart failure.
- Comprehensive evaluation is necessary to identify and treat potentially reversible causes of anemia in HFrEF.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Heart 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...
01:17Pathophysiology of Heart Failure
Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
01:26Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations
Heart failure (HF) manifests primarily as dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention, resulting in peripheral and pulmonary edema. Symptoms may vary depending on which ventricle is more affected, left or right.Left-Sided Heart FailureAlso known as left ventricular failure, this condition results from the left ventricle's inability to fill or eject sufficient blood into the systemic circulation. It leads to pulmonary congestion, which occurs when the left ventricle fails to eject blood effectively...
01:30Heart 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...
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
01:30Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...