Hemochromatosis

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.