Hereditary Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload)
Thomas Stinde
Coconino Community College
Abstract
Hereditary hemochromatosis is a disorder which is inherited and commonly known as “iron overload” due to great amounts of iron accumulating in the body. In the United States, this disorder affects 16% of all Caucasians. This disorder in some people may show no symptoms, or it could show acute and severe signs of its symptoms which are a darkening of the skin, cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, joint pain, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, and heart failure.
Keywords: Hemochromatosis, genetic, inherited, iron, overload, cirrhosis, liver, diabetes, joint, pain, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, heart, failure, HFE
Hereditary Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload)
The mutation of the HFE gene is what causes hemochromatosis. One of the most important purposes of this gene is to regulate the amount of iron that the body absorbs from the food that is eaten by the person. Over a million people in the United States have this mutated gene, and there are other patterns of genes which can result in hemochromatosis no matter what ethnic group the person belongs to. It is estimated that over 16 million people in the United States are at risk for the same diseases as those who are diagnosed with hemochromatosis due to elevated iron levels. These diseases include …show more content…
Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that makes the body accumulate excessive amounts of iron in the body, also called “iron overload.” The genes in the body meticulously regulate the amount of iron which is in the body, which is normally three to four grams. People with this disorder absorb more iron on a daily basis than is required to replace daily losses. This surplus iron builds up in the body since the human body has no way to eliminate the excess iron. This excess iron builds up in the liver, heart, testicles, and joints afflicting damage to these parts of the body (“Hemochromatosis,”