Hemochromatosis is a condition that develops when too much iron
builds up in the body. Small amounts of iron are normally stored in the liver
and heart, but excess iron will eventually damage these organs.
There are two types of hemochromatosis:
- Hereditary (genetic) hemochromatosis. The most
common form of hemochromatosis is passed down through the genes in families.
- Acquired (secondary) hemochromatosis. A person may
develop acquired hemochromatosis from having many blood transfusions, certain
blood disorders (such as thalassemia), or chronic liver disease or from taking
excessive or unnecessary iron supplements. In rare cases, a person may develop
hemochromatosis if his or her diet contains too much iron.
Hereditary hemochromatosis is the most common genetic disorder in
white people, especially those of Northern European descent. Hemochromatosis is
much more common in men than in women. Excess iron builds up slowly throughout
life. Most people with hemochromatosis develop symptoms when they are between
the ages of 40 and 60. These symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, weakness,
excess urination, and weight loss.
If hemochromatosis is recognized early, it can be treated before
other problems develop. It is treated by removing excess iron from the blood,
either by removing blood from the body (phlebotomy) or by taking a medication
(chelating agent) that binds to and removes iron from the body. Hereditary
hemochromatosis requires treatment throughout a person's life. Acquired
hemochromatosis does not need further treatment after the condition has been
corrected.
