Iron Infusion Before Heart Surgery Cuts Need for Blood Transfusion, BMJ Trial Finds

A clinical trial published in the BMJ found that giving iron directly into the vein before heart surgery reduces the likelihood of needing a blood transfusion and adds an extra day at home within the first 90 days after the operation.

Patients with anaemia — a shortage of healthy red blood cells — who received intravenous (IV) iron before heart surgery were less likely to need a donor blood transfusion during or after their procedure, according to a clinical trial published by The BMJ. The research also found those patients spent an extra day at home in the 90 days following surgery, compared with those who did not receive the treatment.

The findings matter because anaemia is common in people awaiting cardiac surgery, and blood transfusions — while sometimes unavoidable — carry their own risks, including immune reactions and infection. Reducing reliance on donated blood also eases pressure on NHS blood supplies.

It’s a modest but measurable gain. One extra day at home in three months may sound small, but for someone recovering from open-heart surgery, time out of hospital carries real weight for both patients and their families.

The trial was published by The BMJ. NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB), which plans and funds NHS services across the county, has not yet issued specific local guidance on the findings, but Kent residents awaiting cardiac procedures can raise questions about pre-operative iron treatment with their GP or hospital consultant.

Anyone concerned about symptoms of anaemia — which can include persistent tiredness, shortness of breath, and pale skin — should contact their GP in the first instance, or call NHS 111 for advice.

Key information

• Speak to your GP if you are awaiting heart surgery and think you may have anaemia
• NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day for non-emergency health queries — call 111
• In an emergency, always call 999