Light micrograph through liver tissue showing evidence of liver haemochromatosis. This is an inherited condition where iron levels in the body slowly build up over many years. This build up of iron, known as iron overload, can cause unpleasant symptoms. If not treated it can damage certain parts of the body such as, joints, pancreas, heart and in this case the liver. Haemochromatosis most often affects people of white northern European background.