Resolved question:
I have an iron deficiency which I receive iron treatments with a port-a-Cath.I have been without insurance for a year so I have been unable to have a treatment.I am currently having problems with my heart could not having an iron treatment affect my heart?
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Family Physician-GP
Hello,
Thank you for choosing DoctorSpring.
Not taking Iron supplements in case of Iron deficiency could affect the heart indirectly. The heart can dialate to accomodate the increased blood produced when there is lack of iron. This can put strain on heart and can even result in heart failure.
HOWEVER in your case I feel this is less likely. Human body has the ability to store Iron. Since you were getting iron via the catheter most likely you body might have stored enough Iron now. Another important issue is that more Iron can also damage the heart.
(1) I would like to know what kind of heart involvement you are suspecting ? What are your symptoms ?
(2)Do you know the reason for your Iron deficiency ?
(3)Have you tested the Iron levels, TIBC recently ?
(4)Have you considered oral Iron (Iron tablets) ?
You can reply as followup.Thank you
I had a stomach bypass over 15 years ago.Following this surgery I began to have gastric bleeding.I have had numerous colonoscopy with no problems found.I My hemoglobin dropped very low which resulted in hospitalization and blood transfusions.I finally found a hemotologist who began to treat me with iron treatments for my anemia.I have not been able to have my blood checked to know what my levels are currently.I have been extremely weak which is not unusual for me but the new symptom concerning me is just walking from my bedroom to kitchen in my small home is causing my heart rate to increase like I have run a mile.After resting I am fine there is no pain just a tightening in the chest.Even when my hemoglobin dropped to a 5.6 have I ever experienced this problem.Thanks for your time
Easy fatiguability and feeling of heart beat (palpitations) and rapid beat are suggestive of low Haemoglobin. Remember even if there is Iron supply , with continuos blood loss Hb can go down. You need to get a Hb value done for sure. A transfusion might be needed depending on this.
As I said earlier there appears to be no direct effect on heart, but an indirect over loading. If the Hb is corrected this can be reversed.
Hope this helps
Feel free to ask followup
Thank you