Haemochromatosis is an inherited condition where iron levels in the body slowly build up over many years. This build-up of iron, known as iron overload, can cause unpleasant symptoms. If it is not treated, this can damage parts of the body such as the liver, joints, pancreas and heart. Iron overload (hemochromatosis) can be caused by disorders such as thalassemia (an inherited blood disorder), anemia, chronic alcoholism, and other conditions. In many cases, however, iron overload is the result of a hereditary disorder, which means it is passed down from parents to children through their genes.
Symptoms are related to conditions that arise from iron overload such as diabetes, darkening of the skin, abnormal heart rhythm or arthritis.
Iron can be dropped to safe levels by regularly removing blood from the body.