Table 1.

Diagnosis of iron deficiency in CHF: summary of ESC and practical guideline recommendations18

In whom and when?
1. Diagnostic workup is recommended/should be considered for all newly diagnosed heart failure patients (Class of Recommendation I, Level of Evidence C). 2. Iron status evaluation is also recommended in patients with existing CHF, particularly if they are symptomatic. 3. Iron parameters should be evaluated at least once a year.

Which parameters should be assessed?
Parameter	Threshold
Hb	Anaemia: 12 g/dL (women) and 13 g/dL (men)
Serum ferritin	Iron deficiency: <100 μg/L; if between 100 and <300 μg/L, TSAT results are required to confirm iron deficiency
TSAT	Iron deficiency: < 20%

CHF, chronic heart failure; ESC, European Society of Cardiology; Hb, haemoglobin; TSAT, transferrin saturation.

Parameters should be assessed simultaneously.