Chennai: Human body requires various nutrients to help in their growth and well-being and iron is one such essential element. However, when the body doesnot have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, it leads to Iron Deficiency (ID). ID can also happen in chronic diseases like diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Heart Failure (HF), This is known as Anemia of Chronic Diseases (ACDs), according to experts.
Elaborating further Chennai Apollo Hospital senior consultant and interventional cardiologist, Dr Sengottuvelu said, “More than 50 per cent of HF patients have ID with more prevalence in female. In a majority of the cases, ID happens with anemia. However, ID in HF can occur without anemia as well. The best mode for treating ID in HF is through Intravenous Iron (IV) as the absorption is much better when compared to oral iron.”
Commenting on the importance of ID management, KHM Hospital cardiologist, Dr P Manokar said, “ID in HF is prevalent in about 60-70 per cent of HF patients. Of late as a protocol we check Serum Ferritin and TSAT levels of all HF patients to determine their iron levels. I have observed that 60 per cent of females and 40 per cent of males are prone to ID in HF. ID can be managed with either oral iron or Intravenous (IV) iron.”
Addressing the importance of regular monitoring of iron levels, Kauvery Hospital and Venkataeswara Hospital senior consultant and interventional cardiologist, Dr Manoj Sivaramakrishnan said, “Iron deficiency is very common among the Indian population due to poor dietary intake and low socio-economic status. In a chronic condition like Heart Failure (HF) as well iron deficiency (ID) and anemia aren’t uncommon. Once diagnosed it’s imperative to correct ID in HF. IV iron is preferred over oral iron as it has a better absorption rate among patients. Orally given iron supplement pills may not have good absorption through the gut for various reasons especially in HF once corrected it is also essential to maintain the iron levels. Hence, Hemoglobin and blood iron levels must be checked regularly. A HF patient should monitor both Hb and iron levels once every six months.”
| How to mange effectively |
| * Eat healthy: Good nutrition is key. Adding food rich in iron like jaggery, leafy vegetables, beans, etc. to your diet can help in managing the condition * Regularly monitor iron levels: An HF patient should constantly monitor their iron levels every six months to ensure the iron levels are in check so that timely intervention can help a patient lead a better quality of life. * Adherence to treatment protocol: it is imperative for an HF patient to adhere to the treatment protocol prescribed by the medical expert to avoid any treatment complication. Regular visits to the cardiologists can help the patient keep the condition in check. |