Anemia is commonly seen in patients with chronic heart failure, but there is no literature consensus regarding the prevalence of anemia in these patients. Analysis of the results of clinical surveys and trials suggests that individual definitions of anemia and choice of the study population have a major influence on estimating the prevalence of anemia in patients with chronic heart failure. Examination of a number of large, contemporary databases shows that in patients with chronic heart failure anemia is an independent prognostic factor and is associated with older age, more severe symptoms and signs, and a greater likelihood of hospitalization.