Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis, also called iron overload, is a condition in which your body stores too much iron.

What is iron, and why do I need it?

Iron is a mineral found in certain foods. Your body needs iron to:

Help hemoglobin in blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body.
Make red blood cells.
Produce certain hormones.

Normally, your intestines absorb just the right amount of iron from the food you eat. But with hemochromatosis, the body absorbs extra iron and stores it in your organs, especially your heart, liver and pancreas.

Why is too much iron dangerous?

Too much iron can be toxic.

In the heart, it can cause:

Arrythmia (irregular heartbeat).
Heart failure.

Too much iron in the liver can lead to:

Cirrhosis (scarring).
Enlarged liver.
Liver cancer.
Liver failure.

In addition, iron overload can cause:

Arthritis (joint damage).
Diabetes.
Problems with the spleen, adrenal glands, pituitary gland, gallbladder or thyroid.
Problems with the reproductive system, such as erectile dysfunction in men and early menopause in women.
Skin that may look noticeably more gray or bronze than usual.

If the condition isn’t treated, it can lead to death.

How common is hemochromatosis?

The condition is fairly common, affecting more than a million Americans.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

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