The Cardiomyopathy of Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Abstract

Anaemia is a huge global health challenge. Iron deficiency (ID) is the most prevalent, preventable, and treatable cause of anaemia worldwide. ID anaemia (IDA) is frequent in patients with heart failure. ID is an important factor in the development of heart failure but is also considered a separate condition with unfavourable clinical and prognostic consequences. In this review, the authors narrate how IDA affects the myocardium, and the possible mechanisms surrounding this impact are described. The review summarises the pathological changes seen in ID cardiomyopathy via ECG, videography, and laboratory tests. Using these tests, the early changes in the myocardium of patients with IDA have been recognised, resulting in the identification of pivotal and developmental targets for improving the morbidity and mortality of patients with IDA. Some of the progress in treatment of IDA patients has also been described. Although IDA patients experience myocardium remodelling, patients can recover heart function through iron supplementation, such as using ferric carboxymaltose. In addition, this paper includes a discussion surrounding the sex differences of the disease; however, research on this aspect is limited and should form the focus of future investigations. The authors focus on myocardial changes in adults with acute or chronic IDA.