Publication:

Role of anemia in the severity and outcome of chronic heart failure

Background Chronic heart failure is a major cause of morbidity and hospitalization worldwide. Anemia is frequently observed among heart failure patients and may worsen disease severity and clinical outcomes. However, limited data are available regarding this association in Bangladesh. This study aimed to evaluate the role of anemia in the severity and outcome of chronic heart failure.

Methods This hospital-based observational study was conducted in the department of cardiology at Satkhira Medical College and Hospital from January 2025 to December 2025. A total of 180 patients with chronic heart failure were included. Data on demographic characteristics, anemia status, severity of heart failure according to New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification and clinical outcomes were collected using a structured data sheet.

Results Among 180 patients with chronic heart failure, 107 (59.4%) had anemia. Most anemic patients had mild anemia (41.1%). Anemic patients were mainly in NYHA class III (43.0%) and IV (19.6%), whereas non-anemic patients were mostly in class II (38.4%) and I (23.3%). Significant differences were found for class I (p<0.001) and class III (p=0.032). Prolonged hospital stay was higher among anemic patients (40.2% vs. 23.3%, p=0.018), and clinical improvement was lower (57.0% versus 75.3%, p=0.012). Readmission and mortality were higher but not statistically significant.

Conclusions Anemia is common among patients with chronic heart failure and is associated with greater disease severity and poorer clinical outcomes. Early identification and management of anemia may help improve the prognosis of heart failure patients.