KNOW IRON DEFICIENCY IN HEART FAILURE
What Is Iron Deficiency?
Iron makes hemoglobin, a part of red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues
Iron deficiency means a shortage of iron, and without enough of it, the body cannot make enough red blood cells to deliver adequate oxygen to organs
What Are Common Causes of Iron Deficiency?
- Not enough iron in your diet
- Increased blood loss
- Increased need for iron
- Issues with absorbing iron
Certain chronic conditions or procedures:
Why are patients with chronic heart failure more likely to have iron deficiency?
Insufficient dietary intake
Drugs/foods that reduce iron absorption
Drug side effect of increased GI bleeding
Functional GI changes
What Are the Symptoms of Iron Deficiency?
- Brittle fingernails
- Headaches
- Unusual fatigue
- Dizziness
- Swollen tongue
- Dry and damaged skin and hair
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Craving for specific foods or non-food substances, eg, chalk
ID is common and serious;
talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms
Download this article as a PDF
REFERENCES:
Ponikowski P, Jankowska EA. Targeting Iron Deficiency in Heart Failure: Existing Evidence and Future Expectations. Circ Heart Fail. 2021;14(5):e008299; Anand IS, Gupta P. Anemia and Iron Deficiency in Heart Failure: Current Concepts and Emerging Therapies. Circulation. 2018;138(1):80-98; Mayo Clinic. Iron Deficiency Anemia. Accessed October 10, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034; Beavers CJ, Ambrosy AP, Butler J, et al. Iron Deficiency in Heart Failure: A scientific statement from the Heart Failure Society of America. J Card Fail. 2023;29(7):1059-1077
