Hyperferritinemia is a condition in which blood ferritin levels are elevated. Ferritin is the protein that holds your iron. When ferritin levels are too high, it indicates that there is too much iron in your body. Excess iron, particularly when it accumulates in the liver, can be toxic to vital organs.
One significant source of iron overload is Hemochromatosis, a hereditary condition also known as the genetic disorder (Celtic Curse). It causes your body to take in too much iron from the food you eat. It ultimately results in liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Early recognition is essential to avert liver failure.
For specialist assessment and management of liver disease, please contact our liver specialists. Leaders in Liver Health is your fully consultant-led team.
Hyperferritinemia denotes high ferritin levels in the bloodstream. Ferritin is the storage form of iron in your body’s cells. When your body needs it, it releases iron.
Ferritin also increases with iron. But higher levels of ferritin aren’t always a sign of excess iron. Ferritin increases with infection, inflammation, liver disease and during pregnancy. This is why you need to be properly tested before being diagnosed with iron overload.
To establish whether high ferritin is caused by excess iron or an extracellular or other medical condition, they usually follow the NHS-style guidelines.
Haemochromatosis is the inherited condition in which your body takes up too much iron. It is associated with a mutation in the HFE gene. This disease is often referred to as the Celtic Curse because it is most prevalent among individuals with Northern European ancestry.
Haemochromatosis is particularly prevalent in the UK. Many people have the mutated gene without any knowledge of it. Early symptoms are non-specific and missed. Such symptoms as fatigue, joint stiffness and abdominal pain are observed.
Iron gradually accumulates in the body in the absence of treatment, but it slowly destroys organs.
| Feature | Hyperferritinemia | Haemochromatosis |
|---|---|---|
| Main cause | Inflammation, liver disease, infection | Genetic disorder |
| Ferritin values | Raised | Very high |
| Transferrin saturation | Often normal | High |
| Main risk | Organ inflammation | Iron overload damage |
| Treatment focus | Treat the underlying cause | Iron removal |
This chart clarifies for patients that not every elevated ferritin level indicates haemochromatosis. But they both require very different treatments.
Note: High ferritin levels do not always indicate iron overload. Specialist assessment is essential to determine the cause and guide appropriate treatment.
Several medical and lifestyle factors contribute to elevated ferritin levels. Some elevate iron directly. Some increase ferritin levels as a result of the illness.
Common causes include:
Alcohol is especially toxic. The toxic impact of iron on the liver cells is multiplied by it. This substantially elevates the risk of cirrhosis.
The signs of too much iron usually begin insidiously. They become worse as organs accumulate iron. General warning signs:
Common warning signs include:
Iron liver disease occurs when iron builds up in the liver. This can go to cirrhosis
Iron is toxic to the liver and causes very early damage, called iron liver. The liver tissue is progressively scarred as a result of sustained iron accumulation. This fibrosis can develop into cirrhosis and in late disease l iver failure. Iron also builds up within the heart muscle, impeding normal pumping and electrical activity. This increases the risk of heart failure and life-threatening arrhythmias.
When iron accumulates in the pancreas, it impairs insulin production and causes diabetes. Iron in the joints causes inflammation, joint stiffness and distressing arthritis which deteriorates with time.
A combination of blood test and imaging test are used by doctors to diagnose iron overload.
Key tests include:
These tests make accurate diagnosis and safe treatment possible.
Treatment is designed to remove the excess iron safely and to protect organs.
Main treatments include:
Venesection is very effective if initiated early. Most patients respond very well to the treatment within a few months.
Consult a liver specialist if your ferritin remains high even after being tested repeatedly. Early warning signs are joint pain, fatigue, dark skin, and diabetes.
Those who have haemochromatosis in their family should be tested early. Leaders in Liver Health’s London-based hepatologists offer quick diagnoses. All treatment is consultant-led to ensure the highest level of safety.
We provide the full, compassionate iron overload care continuum. All patients are reviewed by specialist consultant hepatologists at Leaders in Liver Health.
Our services include:
We emphasise on early detection, and assuring a long-term emotionally positive health recovery.
Yes. Too much iron results when the body takes in excessive iron than it can use. This surplus iron is stored in essential organs. If untreated, this leads to liver disease, heart failure, diabetes, and joint destruction.
High ferritin levels are caused by haemochromotosis, alcohol, liver disease, infection, inflammation and metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle and medical factors seem to have an impact.
No. High iron levels are not generally genetics. Many people have their ferritin increased because of inflammation or infection of the liver. Haemochromatosis is examined by genetic testing.
Yes. Liver damage in haemochromatosis is more severe when alcohol is consumed. Alcohol promote fibrosis and cirrhosis. Those with iron overload should abstain from alcohol.
Ferritin is measured from a blood sample. It is diagnosed when boron is combined with ferritin saturation and comprehensive iron profile analysis.
Venesection is the main treatment. Blood is withdrawn periodically. It reliably reduces the iron level. Diet, and alcohol restriction are helpful.
Yes. High ferritin for long periods causes iron liver disease. They say this can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer if left untreated.
Ferritin levels typically begin to drop a few weeks after starting venesection. Most patients respond dramatically within 3 to 6 months with regular treatment. How fast you get cured depends on your starting ferritin levels, the frequency of treatment, and your overall health.
Concerned about your high iron or ferritin? Our liver experts provide same-week appointments for evaluation and advanced iron reduction treatment. Early treatment prevents severe liver disease.
