Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT)

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a genetic condition passed down through families that impacts the blood vessels. It is also referred to as Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome. Individuals with HHT may have blood vessels that are improperly formed, leading to bleeding episodes due to arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). When these AVMs occur in areas such as the nasal passages or the gastrointestinal tract, they can result in frequent bleeding. This ongoing bleeding can contribute to anaemia and potentially lead to more severe complications. Symptoms typically emerge during childhood or adolescence, but they can begin at any stage of life.