Iron deficiency and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to assess the prevalence of ID among patients with HFpEF and its relation to functional capacity and quality of life. Materials and Methods: We included in the analysis 121 consecutive outpatients newly diagnosed with HFpEF and tested with iron-related parameters. Patients were subdivided in two groups according to the presence of ID (n = 76, mean age 65.3±7.1 years) or without ID (n =45, mean age 61.6±7.4 years). Physical examination, routine laboratory tests, serum ferritin, transferrin saturation (TSAT), hs CRP, N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), standard transthoracic echocardiogram examinations, functional capacity and quality were performed and assessed. Results: Among all tested patients with iron-related parameters, 63% (76) met the European Society of Cardiology criteria for ID. Additionally, 29% (22) were found to have coexisting anemia. Patients with ID had more pronounced HF symptoms, higher NT-pro-BNP, hs CRP, ferritin and lower TSAT values and more severe diastolic dysfunction. Patients with HFpEF and ID performed worse functional capacity during the 6MWT and had lower quality of life with Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire. Conclusions: ID as one of the most common comorbidities in HFpEF significantly impairs the functional capacity and quality of life.