The role of iron deficiency in heart failure

Iron is an essential micronutrient for several physiological processes in the body beyond erythropoiesis. Iron deficiency (ID) is a common comorbidity observed in about 50% of patients with stable heart failure (HF) irrespective of the left ventricular function. The presence of ID is often as a multi-factorial condition, and it is associated with exercise intolerance, reduced quality of life, increased hospitalization rate, and mortality risk regardless of anaemia. The intravenous administration of iron to correct ID has emerged as a promising treatment in HF with reduced ejection fraction as it has been shown to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life and exercise capacity, and reduce hospitalizations.