Haemochromatosis2025-06-23T20:31:55+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. 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


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Frequently Asked Questions

When the situation of late night sleep is less than 3 times a week in a period of more than 3 months and interferes with day time life, it could be chronic insomnia.

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