What is Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis is a condition in which the body builds up too much iron. Two types of hemochromatosis are:

Primary or Heriditary Hemochromatosis (HH)

This type is caused by inherited genes. These genes cause the stomach and intestines to absorb too much iron. It is the most common genetic disorder in the US.

Secondary Hemochromatosis

This type results from treatments or diseases that cause iron to build up in the body. This may include:

• Dietary iron overload
• Juvenile hemochromatosis
• Anemias (eg, Thalassemia )
• Chronic liver disease

If found early HH is easily treated. Untreated HH can lead to severe organ damage. Excess iron builds up in the cells of the liver, heart, pancreas, joints, and pituitary gland. This leads to diseases such as Cirrhosis of the liver, Liver Cancer , diabetes , Coronary Artery Disease , and joint disease.

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