Which organ is particularly affected by severe iron overload?

The organ that is particularly affected by severe iron overload is the heart. When the body accumulates excess iron, it can lead to a condition known as hemochromatosis, which can cause significant damage to various organs, with the heart being highly susceptible. Excess iron in the heart can cause oxidative stress leading to cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and heart failure.

In addition, iron overload can affect the liver and pancreas, but its impact on the heart is particularly critical because the heart's functioning can be severely compromised as iron deposits disrupt the normal muscle function. This can lead to reduced cardiac output and other serious cardiovascular issues.

While the lungs, brain, and kidneys can also be affected by iron overload, the heart's direct implications in terms of function and life-threatening complications make it a key organ of concern in cases of severe iron accumulation.