Hemochromatosis

Overview

If you potentially have hemochromatosis, your healthcare provider will:

Ask if your parents ever had iron overload, liver disease or other related diseases.
Ask if you take iron supplements, by mouth or injection.
Ask if you take extra vitamin C, which can boost absorption of iron.
Check your joints for pain.
Listen to your heart for an irregular beat.
Look at your skin to see if the color is off.
Press near your liver to test for pain.

What tests might I need for hemochromatosis?

Your healthcare provider may order:

Blood tests to measure how much iron is in your blood and your organs.
Genetic testing to see if you have the inherited form of hemochromatosis.
Liver biopsy, when a small needle removes a tiny bit of liver tissue for study under a microscope.
MRI to take detailed pictures of your organs.

Products & Services

A Book: Future Care

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 Mayo Clinic Staff

Request an appointment

Diagnosis & treatment

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community.