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). |