Iron is an essential mineral that keeps human body healthy by helping carry oxygen through the blood. However, too much iron in the body—a condition known as iron overload or hemochromatosis—can cause serious health problems. When iron builds up over time, it can damage important organs like the heart, liver, and pancreas, leading to life-threatening complications if left untreated.In this article, we explain how iron overload affects these key organs, its symptoms, and why early treatment is important.
What is Iron Overload?
Iron overload happens when the body absorbs more iron from food or through repeated blood transfusions. This excess iron is stored in organs and tissues where it shouldn’t be, causing toxicity and organ damage. The condition can be genetic (hereditary hemochromatosis) or caused by other medical conditions.
Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload Disorder)
Hemochromatosis is a health condition where the body stores too much iron. This condition is also commonly called iron overload.
What Causes Hemochromatosis?
- The most common cause of hemochromatosis is genetic inheritance, where the condition is passed down through families.
- In this case, the body absorbs more iron than necessary from food, leading to iron buildup in different organs.
- The liver, heart, and pancreas are the main organs where excess iron tends to collect.
- Although present from birth, symptoms may take years or decades to appear.
Why Managing Iron Levels is Important for Liver Care
Excess iron tends to accumulate in the liver, which can lead to:
- Fatty liver disease
- Liver fibrosis
- Cirrhosis
- Increased risk of liver cancer
Using Desirox Tablets helps control iron levels, making it an important part of liver care for people suffering from iron overload. Regular use, as prescribed by your doctor, can help prevent liver complications and improve liver health.
How Iron Overload Affects the Heart (Heart Care)
- Excess iron collects in heart tissues, causing damage over time.
- It can lead to cardiomyopathy (weakening of the heart muscles).
- Increases the risk of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias).
- It can result in heart failure if not managed.
Common symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue or weakness
- Heart care is important in iron overload to prevent serious heart problems.
- Deferasirox (Desirox Tablet) helps remove extra iron from the heart and supports healthy heart function.
Effects of Iron Overload on the Pancreas
- Excess iron collects in the pancreas, harming the cells that make insulin.
- This damage can lead to high blood sugar and increase the chance of developing diabetes, often called “bronze diabetes.”
- Warning signs include:
- Feeling very thirsty often
- Urinating more frequently than normal
- Losing weight without trying
- Having consistently high blood sugar
- Over time, uncontrolled iron levels can cause serious diabetes complications.
- Managing iron levels and regular sugar checkups helps protect the pancreas and prevent diabetes-related issues.
Symptoms of Iron Overload
- Fatigue and weakness
- Joint pain
- Skin darkening (bronze skin)
- Abdominal pain
- Irregular heartbeats
- Diabetes symptoms
What is Desirox Tablet (Deferasirox)?
Desirox Tablet contains the active ingredient Deferasirox, a type of iron chelator. It helps to reduce excess iron from the body by binding to it and allowing it to be removed through urine and stool. This helps prevent iron buildup in the organs, protecting against long-term damage.
How Desirox Tablet Supports Better Health
- Removes extra iron from the body, preventing iron overload.
- Protects the liver from damage caused by high iron levels.
- Supports heart health by reducing iron deposits in heart tissues.
- Lowers the risk of diabetes by preventing iron buildup in the pancreas.
- Improves energy levels by reducing iron-related tiredness and weakness.
- Helps people feel healthier, more active, and reduces the risk of organ damage.
Why Early Detection Matters
- Iron overload is manageable if diagnosed early.
- Regular screening, especially in people with a family history of hemochromatosis or those receiving frequent blood transfusions, can prevent organ damage.
How to Manage Iron Overload
Treatment Options Include:
- Iron Removal Treatment: Medicines like Desirox Tablet are used to lower high iron levels by helping the body remove excess iron through urine or stool.
- Blood Removal Therapy (Phlebotomy): This involves taking out small amounts of blood on a regular basis to reduce iron buildup, especially in people with genetic (hereditary) iron overload.
- Diet Adjustments – Limiting high-iron foods, alcohol, and vitamin C supplements that increase iron absorption.
- Regular Monitoring – Frequent blood tests, liver function tests, and heart health screenings.
Important Tips for Liver and Heart Care in Iron Overload
- Take Desirox as prescribed by your doctor
- Regular blood tests to monitor iron levels
- Follow a healthy diet for liver care, avoiding alcohol and fatty foods
- Stay active and practice heart-healthy habits
- Keep up with routine medical checkups for early detection of organ damage.
Final Thoughts
Iron is essential, but too much is dangerous. If left unaddressed, iron overload can cause severe damage to the heart, liver, and pancreas, increasing the risk of liver conditions, heart failure, and diabetes. The good news is that, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, many people with iron overload can lead healthy lives. Always consult your doctor if you have unusual tiredness, abdominal discomfort, or other unexplained symptoms.
