Relationship between serum iron level and physical function in heart failure patients is lost by presence of diabetes

Editors' highlight picks from 2023 in ESC heart failure

Heart failure is a devastating syndrome affecting an increasingly high number of patients worldwide. Its aetiology and pathogenesis are complex with the involvement of factors ranging from the genetic material through valvular dysfunctions to numerous organs beyond the entire cardiovascular system. Based on continuous efforts of the heart failure scientific community we have witnessed major advances in many related disciplines during the last year. For example, epidemiological aspects-paving the road for improved risk prevention-have been thoroughly analysed for various geographical regions. Additionally, evidence-based approaches now allow the introduction of novel guideline recommended medical therapies (i.e. sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors, and iron supplementation) while basic and translational research aim to explore additional molecular targets for future heart failure diagnostics and medications. All above aspects are addressed in this article, where a selection of articles published in the ESC Heart Failure journal in 2023 are highlighted. The editors are confident that the scientific contributions of ESC Heart Failure effectively served a highly relevant area of cardiovascular research last year.