INCIDENCE OF ANEMIA IN HEART FAILURE AND RESPONSE TO IRON THERAPY

Introduction: Anemia is a frequent comorbidity in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), contributing to worsening symptoms, reduced exercise tolerance, and poor prognosis. Iron deficiency, whether absolute or functional, plays a significant role in its pathogenesis. Correction of anemia with iron supplementation has been shown to improve functional status, quality of life, and clinical outcomes. This study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence of anemia in heart failure patients and assess the hematological and clinical response to iron therapy. Material and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 102 patients diagnosed with chronic heart failure admitted to a tertiary care hospital. Detailed clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory investigations including hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum ferritin, serum iron, and transferrin saturation were performed. Patients with confirmed anemia were treated with iron therapy and monitored for hematological and symptomatic improvement over a follow-up period. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. Results: Anemia was found in a substantial proportion of heart failure patients, highlighting its strong association with disease severity. Hematological parameters including hemoglobin and serum ferritin improved significantly following iron supplementation. Patients reported marked improvement in exercise tolerance, reduced fatigue, and better functional capacity. Statistical analysis confirmed the beneficial role of iron therapy in correcting anemia and alleviating symptoms, thereby improving overall quality of life in heart failure patients. Conclusion: Anemia is highly prevalent in patients with chronic heart failure and is frequently linked to iron deficiency. Timely detection and management with iron therapy lead to significant improvement in hematological indices and clinical status. Screening for anemia and iron deficiency should be incorporated into routine evaluation of CHF patients, and iron supplementation should be considered an integral part of comprehensive management.