Iron-Deficiency Anemias Worsen Some Cardiovascular Diseases: The Role of Intravenous Ferric Carboxymaltose

Abstract

Background: Anemia induced by iron deficiency is a frequent co-morbidity of cardiovascular disease and is called as sideropenic anaemia. This is caused by low iron serum levels, with reduction of the hemoglobin value. Methods: Iron-deficiency reduces the oxygen carry throughout the body. The reduction of oxygen supply to the cardiac and pulmonary systems can point out some clinical symptoms, such as precordial angor, dyspnea, tachycardia and edema at lower limbs. It also induces an increase of some hemodynamic data, such as pulmonary and capillary pressures and worsens the prognosis of patients subjected to cardiac surgery. Results: Several data confirm that iron deficiency exerts detrimental effects in patients with coronary artery disease, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and in those undergoing cardiac surgery. Conclusions: Iron deficiency further worsen the outcome and the complications of some cardiovascular disease. In addition, the manner and the advantages of i.v. iron administration (ferric carboxymaltose especially) were displayed. This administration may be requested in some conditions of cardiovascular disease and in the coexistence of these with kidney failure.