How iron release may worsen heart failure
Written by James Kingsland on February 5, 2021 Fact checked by Hilary Guite, FFPH, MRCGP
Drazen Zigic/Getty Images
Iron-containing molecules play a wide range of essential roles in the body, including transporting oxygen in the bloodstream.
However, a study in mice suggests that in cases of heart failure, the release of stored iron in the heart may contribute to the death of heart muscle cells.
The study raises concerns about the prolonged use of iron supplements in people with heart failure.
Drugs that inhibit the release of stored iron from heart cells may be promising new treatments.