Iron deficiency (ID) is highly prevalent in patients with heart failure (HF) and is independently associated with poorer functional status, higher hospitalization rates, and increased mortality. ID in HF is typically defined by abnormal iron indices—most commonly low ferritin and/or low transferrin saturation—and is distinct from anemia, as it may be present even when hemoglobin levels are normal. A growing body of randomized clinical trials demonstrates that treating ID, particularly with intravenous iron, improves symptoms, exercise capacity, and quality of life, with emerging evidence for reductions in HF hospitalizations.

In this interview, Clyde W. Yancy MD, MACC and Robert J. Mentz, MD, FACC examine definitions and treatment of ID in HF.

There is increasing emphasis on shared decision-making when evaluating sports participation for competitive athletes with cardiovascular disease, reflecting a shift toward more individualized care. This approach recognizes that participation decisions should integrate clinical risk assessment with the athlete's values, goals, and informed preferences. Current guidelines aim to thoughtfully balance the potential cardiovascular risks of intense exercise with its well-established benefits for health, performance, and quality of life.

In this interview, Alison L. Bailey, MD, FACC and Aaron Baggish, MD, FACC examine the latest sports cardiology guidelines.