Hereditary Hemochromatosis
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HEREDITARY HEMOCHROMATOSIS


As one of the most common genetic disorders in America, hereditary hemochromatosis means that your body absorbs and stores excess iron. If you have hereditary hemochromatosis, this extra iron is stored in the body and organs like liver, skin, and pancreas. If it's not treated, hereditary hemochromatosis can lead to iron deposits that damage those organs and tissues.

Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder caused by a mutated HFE gene. This gene controls iron absorption. If both parents carry the hereditary hemochromatosis gene, then the child will develop hereditary hemochromatosis. If only only parent carries the gene, then the child will also be a carrier for hereditary hemochromatosis, but will not typically suffer from hereditary hemochromatosis.

Hereditary hemochromatosis is most often found in Caucasians with ancestors from Northern Europe. Almost one out of ten American Caucasians is a carrier for hereditary hemochromatosis. Hereditary hemochromatosis is uncommon is African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians.

Without being previously tested, most people don't know that they have hereditary hemochromatosis until middle-age. Most symptoms don't develop until after thirty for men, and after fifty for women.

If hereditary hemochromatosis is not diagnosed and treated, iron accumulations could potentially lead to serious problems like arthritis, liver issues, congestive heart failure, impotence, skin pigmentation, and pancreas damage.

Treatment for hereditary hemochromatosis is routine, but life-long. First, blood is removed several times a month to rid the body of extra iron that's caused by hereditary hemochromatosis. When iron return to normal levels, those with hereditary hemochromatosis require removing a pint of blood several times a year, for life. Your doctor will determine how often a hereditary hemochromatosis blood removal will need to occur.

The sooner hereditary hemochromatosis is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin. If hereditary hemochromatosis is left untreated for a long period of time, the iron overload leads to organ damage. If you already have hereditary hemochromatosis and have developed organ damage, treatment can help, but will not cure hereditary hemochromatosis-related complications.

If you think you have hereditary hemochromatosis, you should not take iron supplements until your hereditary hemochromatosis test is verified.

A HealthCheckUSA hereditary hemochromatosis test is simple and painless. You'll be sent a cheek swab kit that can be used in the privacy of your own home which will show if you have the gene mutation for hereditary hemochromatosis. Through a partnership with Kimball Genetics, HealthCheckUSA is proud to offer free hereditary hemochromatosis genetic counseling for doctors and patients.