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What is iron deficiency and how does it relate to heart failure?

What Is iron deficiency?

Iron deficiency occurs when the body is deficient (or low) in iron, an essential nutrient.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA), a different condition, occurs when the body is so low in iron that it cannot make hemoglobin (Hb), a protein in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen throughout your body.

What are some common causes of iron deficiency?

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Heart failure

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Cancer

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Low iron intake

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Chronic kidney disease

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Gastrointestinal disorders

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Chronic blood loss

The connection between iron deficiency and heart failure

If you have heart failure, you may be at a high risk for iron deficiency because of:

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Frequent blood draws
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Iron absorption issues
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Bleeding in the stomach or intestines
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Chronic blood in the urine
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Chronic inflammation
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Having a more advanced stage of heart failure

Iron deficiency can damage the muscles of the heart and may negatively impact how the heart functions. If you have heart failure, these consequences may aggravate your condition.

For awareness: Black Americans are diagnosed with heart failure at an almost 2X greater rate compared to White Americans. If you’re at an increased risk, ask your healthcare provider whether additional follow-ups are needed.

Get your levels checked

At your next appointment, ask your healthcare professional when the last time your iron levels were checked. If it was more than 3 months ago, ask them to check your levels again.

Don’t overlook the overlap*

Because some of the symptoms of iron deficiency can overlap with and look similar to the symptoms of heart failure, it can be difficult differentiating between the two.

Iron Deficiency Symptoms

  • Cold hands and feet
  • Irritability
  • Brittle nails
  • Strange food or non-food cravings

Iron Deficiency Symptoms and Heart failure symptoms

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Lack of appetite

Heart failure symptoms

  • Swelling in the legs, ankles, abdomen, and feet
  • Weight gain
  • Nausea

*Injectafer is not indicated to treat the symptoms of iron deficiency, heart failure, or the symptoms of iron deficiency in heart failure.

Your voice is powerful

Use this customizable appointment discussion guide to have a conversation with your healthcare professional.

How iron deficiency in heart failure impacts exercise capacity  

As heart failure progresses, symptoms may worsen, reducing physical activity and exercise capacity. This is especially true if you have iron deficiency that remains undiagnosed and/or untreated. Prepare for your next appointment by continuing to evaluate your day-to-day routine and how much exercise you're able to do.

How is iron deficiency diagnosed?

50% of people with heart failure have iron deficiency
50% of people with heart failure have iron deficiency

Iron deficiency may occur in adult patients with heart failure. Lab tests that look at iron levels are used to help determine if you have iron deficiency. These tests include checking your ferritin, transferrin saturation (TSAT), and Hb levels. Open communication with your healthcare professional is important to help you understand what labs are being ordered and why.

How can you tell from your lab values if you may have iron deficiency in heart failure?†‡ Check to see if your:

  • Ferritin levels are below 100 ng/mL
  • Ferritin levels are between 100 ng/mL and 300 ng/mL, if your TSAT is <20%

Are you a part of the ~50% of people who have iron deficiency and heart failure?

†Normal values can vary for many reasons, including conditions you may have or where your lab work was done. That’s why it’s important to discuss your lab results with your healthcare professional to find out what those results mean.

‡Your healthcare professional may also look at your hemoglobin (Hb) levels.

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