Patient/caregiver was instructed upon therapeutic indications for iron supplementation as follows:
Iron deficiency anemia
- Hemoglobin is an iron containing compound found in the red blood cells.
- This iron helps with formation of red blood cells and their function of carrying oxygen to various body tissues.
- Individuals with low iron levels present with deficient synthesis of red blood cells and compromised oxygen transport.
- Iron is offered as a supplement in individuals with iron deficiency to promote red blood cell synthesis and oxygen transport.
Heart failure
- Iron deficiency anemia is a frequent finding in individuals with history of heart failure. Iron in red blood cells normally binds and helps with oxygen transport. Long-standing history of anemia can lead to deficient blood and oxygen transport to body organs. In such individuals, heart can step up and overwork, to cover for the deficient blood & oxygen transport to body organs. Overworked heart progressively gets increasingly tired and fails, contributing to symptoms of heart failure.
- Iron supplementation in such individuals can increase the synthesis of red blood cells. Increased red blood cell synthesis can help increase blood & oxygen transport to the body organs. This can help reduce workload on the heart, inhibit the progression of heart failure, and improvement with cardiac function.
