Hereditary hemochromatosis (HHC), or iron overload, is an inherited disorder that causes the body to absorb two to three times the normal amount of iron. Over the years, the excess iron builds up in the vital organs, joints and tissues where it can cause a number of debilitating and potentially fatal conditions such as liver and heart disease, diabetes, impotence and arthritis.

in 250 - 300 Canadians is at risk of developing the full blown disease and between 1 in 7 and 1 in 9 individuals is a carrier.

In the United States more than one million people have the gene mutation that can cause hemochromatosis; this gene mutation is most common among people whose ancestors came from Europe. Not all people with this gene mutation develop iron overload, and not all people with iron overload develop the clinical signs and symptoms of hemochromatosis. One of the best things you can do when you find out you have any type of illness is to learn as much as you can about that illness.

Yes. A simple blood test can detect iron overload, but it is NOT part of the standard blood test ordered in conjunction with an annual check-up. Your doctor must specifically request an iron series profile on the lab requisition form. It measures the amount of iron in the various iron storage and transport proteins in your blood to give a picture of how much iron is stored in your body. This is NOT the same as hemoglobin.

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

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.

Hemochromatosis runs in families because the genes that we are born with typically cause it. We inherit genes from our parents, and our children inherit genes from us. quot;I am one of the lucky ones — I got treatment in time. But my brother and sister were not so lucky — both died of liver disease due to iron overload. If their disease had been diagnosed earlier, they might be alive today. Please get checked if you think there’s any chance you might have the disease."

This is impossible to answer because children inherit genes from both parents. Talk with your children’s pediatrician about your family history of hemochromatosis. Ask if your children should be tested to make sure their iron levels remain normal. Indeed, it’s important for all close family members to get their iron levels tested (parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers, and children) if anyone in the family has hemochromatosis.