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Anemia is very common in congestive heart failure (CHF) and coronary heart disease (CHD)
patients. Anemia in CHF and CHD patients is associated with poorer outcomes, including an
increased risk of hospitalization, decreased exercise capacity, and poor quality of life. Despite
the association with poorer outcomes, it is unclear whether treating anemia or iron deficiency
will improve outcomes. Anemia treatment strategies in heart failure and CHD patients include
erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and red blood cell transfusions. Iron replacement
in iron deficient patients with or without anemia has also been investigated. The objective of
this evidence review is to evaluate the balance of benefit and harms of these treatments.
We conducted a systematic review to address the following key questions:
