Description:
Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is a genetic disease that
causes the body to absorb and store unhealthy amounts of iron. The name HH
stems from “hemo” (blood) and “chroma” (color), referring to the characteristic
bronze skin tone that iron overload can cause. This article discusses
hereditary hemochromatosis in detail.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe diagnostic procedures for HH
- Describe the signs and symptoms for HH
- Discuss laboratory tests used to measure the amount of iron
in the blood
Author(s):
David Plaut
William McLellon
Launched: 2009