Definition

Hemochromatosis is a disorder where iron builds up in the body. Early treatment can improve outcomes.

There are two types:

• Hereditary (HH)
• Secondary

The Liver

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Causes

Hereditary hemochromatosis is caused by a faulty gene that is passed from parents to children.

The secondary type may be caused by:

• Blood transfusions
• High iron intake

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of HH are:

• Having other family members with this health problem
• Western or Northern European ancestry

Things that may raise the risk of the secondary type are:

• Certain anemias, such as thalassemia
• Alcohol use disorder which can lead to liver disease
• Chronic liver disease

Symptoms

Most people do not have symptoms. Those who do may have:

• Joint pain
• Tiredness or weakness
• Belly pain
• Weight loss
• Loss of interest in sex
• Problems maintaining an erection (in men)

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.

Blood tests will be done to check iron levels. This is enough to make the diagnosis. More tests may be done to look for a cause.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to lower iron levels. Choices are:

• Regularly removing excess iron from the blood
• Medicines to remove excess iron from the blood
• Dietary changes, such as:
  • Not eating high iron foods or taking iron supplements
  • Not taking vitamin C supplements, which can increase the amount of iron the body absorbs
• Avoiding alcohol

Prevention

HH cannot be prevented. The secondary type may be prevented. It depends on the cause.