Can hemochromatosis cause palpitations?

Although in itself it is not life-threatening, it can cause uncomfortable palpitations (feeling your heart beating). However, the turbulent flow of blood can increase the risk of blood clots forming, which can increase the risk of a stroke.

How does iron overload affect the heart?

Excess iron in your heart affects the heart’s ability to circulate enough blood for your body’s needs. This is called congestive heart failure. Hemochromatosis can also cause abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

How does hemochromatosis cause arrhythmia?

Chronic iron overload reduces CaV1. 3-dependent L-type Ca2+ currents, resulting in bradycardia, altered electrical conduction, and atrial fibrillation [10]. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia observed in patients with cardiac hemochromatosis.

Can a low iron count cause heart palpitations?

The bone marrow needs iron, a naturally occurring metal, to produce hemoglobin. Hemoglobin carries oxygen and is found in red blood cells. Not enough hemoglobin means symptoms of anemia. A blood test will determine if you have a low red blood cell count. If so, your doctor will then seek out to find the cause and treatment.

How is the heart affected by iron overload?

The heart, along with the liver and the endocrine glands, is the main organ affected by excess iron accumulation, and thus iron-loading conditions are primarily manifested as cardiac dysfunction and failure, liver dysfunction and cirrhosis, and endocrine abnormalities including hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, and diabetes mellitus, as well. 6, 9

What are the side effects of high iron levels?

As the hormone insulin regulates blood sugar levels, its inadequate synthesis is likely to cause diabetes. Consistently high iron levels in blood can interfere with normal thyroid function and cause hypothyroidism. This side effect is relatively common in hemochromatosis patients.

What causes palpitations in people with low blood pressure?

These patients who have such low blood pressure tend to have low iron status as well, so once iron status improves the blood pressure comes up a little bit and the palpitations sometimes resolve. Different medications can cause palpitations for various reasons. Stimulants will cause them by stimulating the nervous system.