Green P, et al. - In this prospective, randomized, single-blind clinical trial, researchers quantified how left ventricular (LV) structure and function, as measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, are influenced by anemia treatment in older adult patients with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF). For 24 weeks, epoetin alfa or placebo was administered to patients. A subgroup of 22 patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and after 3 and 6 months so that changes in cardiac structure and function could be assessed. A significant increase in hemoglobin was evident in relation to treatment with epoetin alfa in this patient population. This effect was observed without the evidence of change in LV structure, function, or pressure volume relationships on CMR imaging.