Who Is At Risk for Hemochromatosis?

Populations Affected

Hemochromatosis is one of the most common inherited (genetic) diseases in the United States. Approximately 1 million people in the United States have the pair of hemochromatosis genes. Hemochromatosis is most common in Caucasians of northern European descent. It is rare in African Americans. It is more common in men than in women. Older people are more likely to develop the disease than younger people. In fact, signs and symptoms do not usually appear in men until ages 40 to 60. In women, signs and symptoms do not usually appear until after the age of 50 (after menopause). Young children rarely develop hemochromatosis.

Major Risk Factors

Having a pair of abnormal HFE genes (one from each parent) is the major risk factor for hemochromatosis. However, many people with two copies of the abnormal gene do not develop signs or symptoms of the disease.

Other Risk Factors

Alcoholism is a risk factor for hemochromatosis. A family history of certain diseases also indicates a higher risk for hemochromatosis. Some of these diseases are heart attack, liver disease, diabetes, arthritis, and erectile dysfunction (impotence).