Haemochromatosis, or iron overload disorder, is a condition where the body contains too much iron. This is usually because of an inherited faulty gene that causes you to absorb excess amounts of iron from food.
Iron is an essential mineral for our body (see box). Normally, our body monitors our daily need for iron and absorbs it from food in the required amounts. People with haemochromatosis have a fault in this control process. Over time, they absorb and accumulate too much iron in their body.
After a while, if haemochromatosis is left untreated, the body starts to deposit the extra iron in other areas of the body. It usually gathers around organs, such as the heart and liver.
Once the iron starts building up, it causes uncomfortable symptoms, such as nausea, abdominal (tummy) pain, constipation and joint pain (see Haemochromatosis – symptoms for more information). It can lead to liver damage, heart failure and diabetes if left untreated.
There are two types of haemochromatosis:
- primary haemochromatosis – when the condition is inherited (this is the most common type)
- secondary haemochromatosis – when it results from another condition, such as chronic liver disease, or from treatments such as blood transfusions
Who is at risk
Haemochromatosis is now recognised as one of the most common genetic disorders in the UK. Research has shown that as many as 1 in 200 people are likely to be at risk of developing iron overload.
Iron build-up can take many years. Men usually show symptoms before women, because women regularly lose blood (and therefore iron) during their period.
Haemochromatosis can be diagnosed by a blood test. Once confirmed, it is important to start treatment as soon as possible to avoid more iron build-up. Treatment involves removing blood, in a method similar to blood donation, to lower your iron levels (see Haemochromatosis – treatment for more information).
Outlook
As long as treatment starts as soon as possible, the body’s iron stores should return to a normal level and symptoms will improve. Life expectancy should not be affected if the condition is treated before excessive build-up of iron occurs.
However, treatment for haemochromatosis will not cure any other conditions that may have resulted from iron overload, such as cirrhosis and diabetes.
