Iron Overload and Hemochromatosis : Relatives, FAQ

by CDC

(Page 4 of 5)

Information for Relatives

If you find out that you have hemochromatosis, encourage your immediate family members (grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, and adult children older than 25) to be tested for the amount of iron in their blood.

• If you have hemochromatosis, your brother or sister has a 1 in 4 chance (25%) of having two HFE gene mutations.
• If you have hemochromatosis, your children have about a 1 in 20 chance (5%) of having two HFE gene mutations.

It is important to remember that not all people with two HFE gene mutations will develop hemochromatosis.

In persons with a family history of hemochromatosis, genetic testing can determine who in the family does not have the HFE gene mutation. However, measuring the amount of iron in the blood is more helpful than genetic testing for detecting iron buildup and hemochromatosis.

Key Point

Measuring the amount of iron in the body with a simple blood test is more helpful than genetic testing for detecting iron buildup and hemochromatosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can live a healthy life, if you get treatment early.

Iron Overload

What is iron overload?

Iron overload is a serious chronic condition that develops when the body absorbs too much iron over many years and excess iron builds up in organ tissues (for example, heart tissue and liver tissue). What causes iron overload?

Iron overload usually occurs as a result of a gene mutation that causes the body to absorb more than a healthy amount of iron. Iron overload less often occurs as a complication of other blood disorders, chronic transfusion therapy, chronic hepatitis, or excessive iron ingestion.

Is iron overload dangerous?

Yes. Iron overload is dangerous because it can lead to hemochromatosis, a disease characterized by fatigue, joint pain, abdominal pain, or organ damage. It can become a serious health problem. The key to preventing hemochromatosis is early diagnosis and treatment. More information on treatment.

How can I get tested for iron overload?

Simple blood tests can measure the iron levels within your body. The tests are inexpensive and can be done at your doctor's office.

Hemochromatosis

What is hemochromatosis?

Hemochromatosis is the disease that occurs as a result of significant iron overload. It can have genetic or nongenetic causes. In the United States about one million people have the disease, usually because of a gene mutation. When the disease is genetic, it is called hereditary hemochromatosis.

When do people with hemochromatosis begin to get sick?

The age varies from person to person. Usually symptoms begin during middle age. Some people get sick sooner, others later.

What are the early symptoms of hemochromatosis?

Hemochromatosis affects everyone differently. Early symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, joint pain, or abdominal pain. There is no definite set of symptoms to indicate that a person has too much iron. Diagnosing hemochromatosis is difficult because the symptoms are like the symptoms of many other diseases.

What happens if I don't get treatment?

If hemochromatosis is not treated, it can lead to these conditions:

• Liver cancer
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Arthritis
• Impotence for men
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Infertility and premature
• Bronze skin menopause for women

About the Author

www.cdc.gov
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the 13 major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is the principal agency in the United States government for protecting the health and safety of all Americans and for providing essential human services, especially for those people who are least able to help themselves.