OBJECTIVES: Anemia is a prevalent public health problem associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. It is also associated with cardiovascular disorders (CVDs) including heart failure (HF). In a large community study, 58% of HF patients had anemia. There is a wide variation in the reported prevalence of anemia among HF patients (7%-50%). This community based study investigated whether anemia is associated with HF using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) which is a national survey to assess the health and nutritional status in the United States. METHODS: NHANES data from the 2005-2006 administration were combined and analyzed cross-sectionally. Descriptive statistics and univariate comparisons were used as appropriate. Weighted multivariable logistic regression was used to predict and compute odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the association between HF and anemia prevalence. RESULTS: There were 953 respondents with anemia, and 180 respondents had HF. Among those with anemia, the proportion of African Americans was significantly higher than Caucasians (46% vs. 31%; p<0.001; respectively). Respondents with anemia were significantly more likely to have cancer, other CVDs status, and be pregnant than those without anemia (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p=0.002, respectively). In addition, prevalence of anemia was significantly higher in respondents with HF as compared to those with other CVDs (18% vs. 4%; p<0.001). Approximately 10% of HF respondents had anemia compared to just 2% among those without HF (OR=5.09, CI= 5.08-5.11). This association remained statistically significant after adjusting for age, race, pregnancy status, cancer, smoking status, and other CVDs (OR=5.8, CI= 5.54-5.96). CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, the prevalence of anemia among HF patients is relatively high. African Americans and those with HF are more likely to experience anemia. The association between HF and anemia remained after controlling for confounders.