HealthMedical XpressSingle iron infusion improved exercise capacity in people with the most common form of heart failure
A single iron infusion improved exercise capacity by about 10% in heart failure patients who also had iron deficiency, a new US trial found.
A new study by investigators from the Mass General Brigham Heart and Vascular Institute found that a single iron infusion improved exercise capacity in people with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and iron deficiency. The findings suggest that replenishing iron could help address the physical limitations associated with this condition. Results were presented at the 2026 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions and published simultaneously in Circulation.
A US trial found that one intravenous iron infusion significantly improved exercise capacity in people with the most common form of heart failure.
The 65-participant IRON-MET HFpEF trial showed peak oxygen uptake improved by roughly 10% after 12 weeks, with 72% of participants being women.
The study found oral iron does not help these patients, so intravenous delivery may become an important treatment option if larger trials confirm the results.
Over 50% of people with HFpEF have iron deficiency, so if you or a loved one has this condition, it may be worth asking your GP about iron levels.
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