Question: I’ve been told by my doctor that I have high “ferritin levels.” He didn’t explain the condition very clearly. Can you tell me if it’s serious?


Dr. Hibberd's answer:

High ferritin levels occur when there is too much iron in your body. This condition is called hemochromatosis. Normally small amounts of iron are stored in the liver and heart, but excess iron will eventually damage these organs. This condition could be genetic; do you have a close family member who also has this condition? Treatments are available, please ask your doctor about phlebotomy and chelating agents.