Anemia and Iron Deficiency Predict All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction: 6-Year Follow-Up Study

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and its impact on clinical outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 212 patients with HFpEF and identified anemia as a serum hemoglobin level of less than 13 g/dL in men and less than 12 g/dL in women. Additionally, ID was defined as a serum ferritin concentration < 100 ng/mL or 100–299 ng/mL with transferrin saturation < 20%. Patients were followed up for an average of 66.2 ± 12.1 months, with the endpoint being all-cause mortality among patients with HFpEF, both with and without anemia and iron deficiency. Furthermore, we explored other predictors of all-cause mortality. Results: The average age of the entire group was 70.6 ± 10.5 years, with females comprising 55% of the patients. Anemia was present in 81 (38.2%) patients, while 108 (50.9%) had iron deficiency. At the end of the follow-up period, 60 (28.3%) of the patients had passed away. Patients with anemia displayed more heart failure (HF) symptoms, diastolic dysfunction, higher NT-pro-BNP levels, and worse baseline functional capacity than those without. Similarly, patients with iron deficiency showed more pronounced HF symptoms and worse functional capacity than those without. The results from the multivariable analyses revealed that anemia (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.401, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.303–6.209, log-rank p = 0.001), advanced age, iron deficiency (HR: 3.502, 95% CI: 2.204–6.701, log-rank p = 0.015), decreased left ventricular ejection fraction, chronic kidney disease, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea were all independently associated with all-cause mortality. Conclusions: It is essential to consider anemia and iron deficiency as common comorbidities in managing and prognosis HFpEF, as they significantly increase mortality risk.