Iron deficiency, anemia and atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Anemia and iron deficiency are common in cardiovascular diseases. The most studied issue is iron deficiency and anemia in patients with heart failure, for whom clear clinical guidelines have been developed. Atrial fibrillation is the most common supraventricular tachyarrhythmia and is characterized by a growing prevalence worldwide. At the same time, iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common diseases in the world, and iron deficiency is the cause of up to 80% of anemia in the adult population. The mutual influence of these two nosological units is currently insufficiently studied. In this regard, the study of the mutual effects of iron deficiency, iron deficiency anemia and atrial fibrillation and the justification of the need for drug correction of iron deficiency in patients with atrial fibrillation is an extremely actual problem. The pathophysiological mechanisms of the effect of iron deficiency on the possibility of atrial fibrillation are quite multifaceted. Among these mechanisms can be distinguished: the effect of iron deficiency on the mitochondrial level, on the cardiomyocyte, on heart function and on the organismal level. At the same time, atrial fibrillation can contribute to the development of iron deficiency. The comorbid course of iron deficiency and atrial fibrillation potentiates the clinical manifestations of each other and reduces the quality of life. The effect of correction of anemia and iron deficiency in patients with atrial fibrillation is currently insufficiently studied to formulate practical recommendations. However, it can be assumed that the treatment of iron deficiency in atrial fibrillation will lead to a reduction in symptoms, an improvement in the quality of life and a decrease in the frequency of hospitalizations.