ask: chronic anemia and iron and the heart
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Anonymous
October 16, 2009 - 7:32pm
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I have a hereditary condition in which i requrie iron infusions, will this do damage to my heart over time? Have been doing this for 7 years now.
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Dear Anon
Thanks for your question and welcome to EmpowHer!
From our Encyclopedia : "Excess iron can accumulate in the body after repeated blood transfusions. Too much iron can damage the heart, liver, and other vital organs (secondary hemochromatosis). A drug call deferoxamine (Desferal) can be given to bind to excess iron in the body and carry it out through the urine. This drug is given through the skin or by vein using a small infusion pump."
You can read about secondary hemochromatosis here : http://www.empowher.com/media/reference/hemochromatosis
As long as your doses of iron infusions are appropriate, you should not expect a build up of iron in your system.
Talk to your health care provider about this to make sure they are aware of your concerns.
Are you experiencing anything right now that would indicate you may be having heart trouble?
October 17, 2009 - 6:29amThis Comment