Haemochromatosis2025-05-20T12:29:01+01:00

Haemochromatosis

A condition where the body absorbs too much iron from the diet. This excess iron builds up in organs — especially the liver, heart, and pancreas — and can cause serious damage over time.AAAA A condition where the body absorbs too much iron from the diet. This excess iron builds up in organs such as the liver, heart, and pancreas and can cause damage over time.

Haemochromatosis Overview

Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors

Causes

Genetic Haemochromatosis (Hereditary)
Caused by

  • mutations in the HFE gene (most commonly C282Y and H63D mutations).
  • Inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern — both parents must pass on the faulty gene.
  • Most common in people of Northern European descent.

Secondary (Acquired) Haemochromatosis

Caused by other conditions such as

  • Repeated blood transfusions
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Certain types of anaemia (e.g. thalassaemia, sideroblastic anaemia)
  • Excessive iron supplements (rare)

Symptoms

  • Fatigue, weakness or joint pain
  • Bronze, greyish skin tone
  • Enlarged liver, cirrhosis, liver damage
  • Diabetes
  • Irregular heartbeat, heart failure
  • Loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, menstrual irregularities
  • Arthritis like symptoms

Risk Factors

Having two copies of the mutated HFE gene (C282Y)

In men between the ages of 30-40 and women after menopause.

More common in men. Women tend to lose iron through menstruation and pregnancy.

Conditions like hepatitis C or fatty liver disease.

Can Haemochromatosis be prevented?

Hereditary haemochromatosis cannot be prevented due to it being a genetic condition but complications can be prevented or minimised.

Early Detection and managing symptoms before they start is key.
Genetic Screening – If you have a family history of haemochromatosis then you can be tested for the HFE gene mutation.
Routine Blood tests – Testing for ferritin and transferrin saturation can detect iron overload before symptoms start.

How Chequers can help Diagnose and Treat

Venesection

Patient having an iron infusion by a clinician

An effective treatment for haemochromatosis


Preventive, Trusted, and Affordable Healthcare for All

Chequers Health is a well-known private healthcare provider in Bolton. It is registered with the CQC and trusted by many patients in the Northwest of England. Our dedicated team is committed to providing personalised care tailored to each patient’s unique needs and exceptional care.

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Our Clinicians

At Chequers Health, our specialists blend expertise, compassion, and convenience to deliver the care you deserve. We prioritise quick access and personalised care, ensuring that your health needs are addressed promptly and effectively by trusted professionals.

Dr Samir Naseef, MBBS, PMETB (CTh)
Dr Samir Naseef, MBBS, PMETB (CTh)

Frequently Asked Questions

Erythrocytosis does not usually cause kidney failure directly. However, there are important links between the two. This is especially true when erythrocytosis is due to kidney disease or too much erythropoietin (EPO) production.

No, giving up smoking does not cause erythrocytosis. In fact, it usually has the opposite effect.

Erythrocytosis becomes dangerous when the elevated red blood cell count leads to complications like blood clots, stroke, or organ damage. The level of risk depends on the severity, the underlying cause, and whether it is being monitored or treated.

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