FREQUENCY OF SERUM IRON DEFICIENCY IN HEART FAILURE PATIENTS WITHOUT CLINICAL ANEMIA

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of iron deficiency in patients with heart failure without clinical anemia and to evaluate its association with clinical characteristics and biochemical parameters.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Conducted at Department of Cardiology, Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore from 10^th December 2025 till 10^th April 2026. Methodology: A total of 148 patients with heart failure without clinical anemia were included. Demographic details, clinical characteristics, and laboratory parameters including hemoglobin, serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29.0.

Results: The mean age of patients was 50.05 ± 11.92 years, with 75 (50.7%) females and 73 (49.3%) males. Iron deficiency was observed in 87 (58.8%) patients. Patients with iron deficiency had significantly lower hemoglobin (13.1 ± 1.2 vs 13.8 ± 1.3 g/dL, p=0.004), serum iron (61.5 ± 10.8 vs 80.4 ± 12.6 mcg/dL, p<0.001), ferritin (102.6 ± 41.3 vs 154.2 ± 48.5 ng/mL, p<0.001), and transferrin saturation (19.8 ± 6.5 vs 32.4 ± 8.1%, p<0.001). A significant reduction in eGFR was also noted in iron-deficient patients (77.3 ± 19.4 vs 85.6 ± 21.1 mL/min, p=0.032). 

Conclusion: Iron deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with heart failure without clinical anemia and is associated with significant biochemical derangements and reduced renal function. Routine screening and early management of iron deficiency should be considered in the comprehensive care of heart failure patients.