Déficit de hierro e insuficiencia cardiacaperspectiva desde la Atención Primaria.

Abstract

Background. Iron deficiency (ID) is a common pathology that becomes relevant in Heart Failure (HF). Iron, essential for the formation of the hemi group, is involved in oxidative metabolism, affecting the cellular energy production and therefore the myocytes and cardiomyocytes function. ID can occur with or without anaemia, which makes its detection as an independent disorder essential. In clinical practice ID in chronic HF is still underdiagnosed and undertreated despite its prevalence in patients treated in Primary Care (PC) is high. Objectives. To assess the degree of knowledge/attitude of physicians about ID in patients with HF. Methods. A 43-question online survey was designed on ID in HF, diagnosis and treatment, multidisciplinary approach, follow-up, and training needs of PC doctors. Results. 464 physicians participated. The results obtained showed that the knowledge of many physicians is incomplete: although the majority knew what the necessary parameters are for the diagnosis of ID, they did not adequately handle the criteria established by the guidelines and were unaware of the effective treatment. A lack of protocolization and coordination between PC and hospitals for the management of HF patients was also observed. Conclusion. Currently, there is a low level of knowledge by general and family doctors about the high prevalence, clinical consequences, diagnosis, and therapeutic management of ID in HF patients; as well as a lack of protocolization and coordination between PC and hospitals. So, the results show the need to expand the training of physicians to optimize the management of patients with HF and ID from the Primary Care.