Thalassaemia
Reduced levels of haemoglobin in the blood
HCA UK's experts can help to diagnose and treat a range of blood conditions, caused by reduced levels of haemoglobin.
About thalassaemia
Need to know
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Symptoms of thalassaemia icon plus
The most common symptoms of thalassaemia are:
- feeling tired
- being short of breath
- pale complexion
- irregular heart beat (palpitations)
- excess iron in the blood
Symptoms of thalassaemia can develop soon after birth, and the condition mainly affects people who are of Mediterranean, South Asian, Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern origin. The condition doesn’t cause any serious health problems, although as it is caused by faulty genes, it is possible to pass on the condition to your children. Therefore, it’s important to speak to your GP or consultant if you are considering starting a family. -
Diagnosis icon plus
Thalassaemia is most commonly diagnosed during pregnancy or soon after birth, as part of the newborn blood spot test (heel prick test).
Your GP or consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and may recommend you for further tests, including blood tests to check the amount of haemoglobin that you have in your blood, and to see if you’re a carrier of the faulty gene.
The main types of thalassaemia are:
- alpha thalassaemia, which is rare and causes minimal health risks
- beta thalassaemia, which is more likely to be passed on to your children
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Potential treatment options icon plus
Treatment options for thalassaemia depend on the extent of your condition and your general health and fitness.
These may include:
- annual review and general health review
- blood transfusions (where blood is taken from a donor and transfused to you)
- iron overload management and monitoring with MRI scanning
- chelation therapy to reduce excess iron that can build up in the body as a result of regular blood transfusions
- stem cell or bone marrow transplants
- lifestyle management (eating a healthy diet, not smoking and doing regular exercise)
Our consultants
Our locations
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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HCA UK at The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 1NY
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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HCA UK at University College Hospital
5th floor, UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre
Grafton Way Building, 1 Grafton Way
London WC1E 6AG
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344