A patient with heart failure may experience anemia for many reasons. The presence of anemia is associated with a poor outcome in patients with heart failure.
Secondary causes of anemia:
(1) iron deficiency
(2) folate and/or vitamin B12 deficiency
(3) drug toxicity
(4) depressed erythropoietin production secondary to chronic renal disease
(5) anemia of chronic disease
Correcting the underlying cause can often correct the anemia.
In addition, there is evidence of bone marrow dysfunction in patients with heart failure, associated with a poor response to erythropoietin. All 3 lineages are affected. Hematopoietic stem cells show reduced proliferation, maturation and function.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
Purpose: To evaluate a patient with heart failure and anemia.
Specialty: Hematology Oncology, Clinical Laboratory
Objective: laboratory tests, comorbid conditions