What is an overload of iron called?
Haemochromatosis is an inherited condition where iron levels in the body slowly build up over many years. This build-up of iron, known as iron overload, can cause unpleasant symptoms. If it is not treated, this can damage parts of the body such as the liver, joints, pancreas and heart.
What is another name for hemochromatosis?
| Iron overload | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Haemochromatosis or Hemochromatosis |
| Micrograph of liver biopsy showing iron deposits due to haemosiderosis. Iron stain. | |
| Specialty | Hematology |
Is hemochromatosis high iron?
Hereditary hemochromatosis (he-moe-kroe-muh-TOE-sis) causes your body to absorb too much iron from the food you eat. Excess iron is stored in your organs, especially your liver, heart and pancreas. Too much iron can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as liver disease, heart problems and diabetes.
Is hemochromatosis an iron deficiency?
Hemochromatosis (High Level of Ferritin) Diagnosis High levels of ferritin can be indicative of an iron storage disorder such as hemochromatosis. The symptoms arise because iron accumulates in the organs and leads to destruction and loss of normal function.
What is the average lifespan of someone with hemochromatosis?
Cumulative survival was 76% at 10 years and 49% at 20 years. Life expectancy was reduced in patients who presented with cirrhosis or diabetes compared to patients who presented without these complications at the time of diagnosis.
What does iron overload mean in medical terms?
Iron overload (also known as haemochromatosis or hemochromatosis) indicates accumulation of iron in the body from any cause.
Are there symptoms of hereditary hemochromatosis or iron overload?
While the symptoms are often silent in the early stages of hereditary hemochromatosis or iron overload, as it progresses it can lead to: *High bilirubin, and elevated liver enzymes on lab tests can also hint at iron overload. [5] How common is hereditary hemochromatosis or iron overload?
What causes the accumulation of iron in the body?
Human disease. Iron overload (also known as haemochromatosis or hemochromatosis) indicates accumulation of iron in the body from any cause. The most important causes are hereditary haemochromatosis (HHC), a genetic disorder, and transfusional iron overload, which can result from repeated blood transfusions.
How does hereditary haemochromatosis affect the human body?
Hereditary haemochromatosis (or hemochromatosis) is a genetic disorder characterized by excessive intestinal absorption of dietary iron, resulting in a pathological increase in total body iron stores. Humans, like most animals, have no means to excrete excess iron. Excess iron accumulates in tissues and organs, disrupting their normal function.
What are the dangers of iron overload?
With prolonged use, intravenous iron may lead to iron overload in the tissues, which is a dangerous condition. Iron overload can be toxic to all body systems. Signs and symptoms of iron overload include tiredness, irregular heartbeat and heart failure, joint pain, loss of fertility, erectile dysfunction and change in skin color.
Can you die from hemochromatosis?
Treatment may help prevent, delay, or sometimes reverse complications of the disease. Treatment also may lead to better quality of life. For people who are diagnosed and treated early, a normal lifespan is possible. If left untreated, hemochromatosis can lead to severe organ damage and even death.
Can hemochromatosis be cured?
No, haemochromatosis is a genetic condition and cannot be cured. It can be successfully managed by venesection (blood removal) to reduce the level of iron in your body or chelation therapies, which allow excess iron to be excreted through the urine.
What are the symptoms of excess iron?
Symptoms of Too Much Iron in Blood. The general symptoms associated with too much iron in blood include (but are not limited to) the following: fatigue, joint pain, abnormal heart rate, faintness or weakness, and decreased libido.