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What Causes High Iron Levels In Blood?
Question: Hi,
I got a blood test done recently and it showed an elevated iron level. The doctor said to get tested for this genetic iron disorder (not sure of what it was called) and said it may be hereditary. She said the level should be 5.5 or around there, mine was 6.2 i think. My question is how frequently will I need to get blood taken out? assuming that I have the problem (i think hemchromatosis, something like that) Also, i got a blood test done about 8 months ago but everything was normal. She said maybe that doctor didnt get iron checked as this is not usually part of a routine blood test.
I got a blood test done recently and it showed an elevated iron level. The doctor said to get tested for this genetic iron disorder (not sure of what it was called) and said it may be hereditary. She said the level should be 5.5 or around there, mine was 6.2 i think. My question is how frequently will I need to get blood taken out? assuming that I have the problem (i think hemchromatosis, something like that) Also, i got a blood test done about 8 months ago but everything was normal. She said maybe that doctor didnt get iron checked as this is not usually part of a routine blood test.
Brief Answer:
initially once a week then every 2 to 4 months
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Yes, she may have mentioned hemochromatosis which is a genetic disorder that can be characterized by the accumulation of iron in different organs of the body.
It is possible that the iron levels were not checked with your previous test.
Early detection and treatment can essentially guarantee a normal lifespan. The most important factor at the time of diagnosis that would give an idea about prognosis is the presence of liver scarring at the time of diagnosis.
If there is none then the lifespan is usually not affected.
If the condition is confirmed then phlebotomy (taking out blood) is initially done once a week and blood ferritin (storage iron) is done every month.
When the levels are below a certain amount, blood taking is done every 2 to 4 months, the exact time span depending on the levels of ferritin
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
initially once a week then every 2 to 4 months
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Yes, she may have mentioned hemochromatosis which is a genetic disorder that can be characterized by the accumulation of iron in different organs of the body.
It is possible that the iron levels were not checked with your previous test.
Early detection and treatment can essentially guarantee a normal lifespan. The most important factor at the time of diagnosis that would give an idea about prognosis is the presence of liver scarring at the time of diagnosis.
If there is none then the lifespan is usually not affected.
If the condition is confirmed then phlebotomy (taking out blood) is initially done once a week and blood ferritin (storage iron) is done every month.
When the levels are below a certain amount, blood taking is done every 2 to 4 months, the exact time span depending on the levels of ferritin
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I read that most people are over 40 when diagnosed, and that time damage to organs such as the liver may be further than the early stages. I am only 21, is it good that this was caught early on? Also, does this mean that other members of my family also have this?
Brief Answer:
early diagnosis is good
Detailed Answer:
HI
Sorry about the late reply
Yes, most persons are older on diagnosis and the early diagnosis may mean that there are less complications likely to be present, it is a good thing.
It is possible that there are persons in your family with the condition, they can consider being checked.
Please feel free to ask any other questions
early diagnosis is good
Detailed Answer:
HI
Sorry about the late reply
Yes, most persons are older on diagnosis and the early diagnosis may mean that there are less complications likely to be present, it is a good thing.
It is possible that there are persons in your family with the condition, they can consider being checked.
Please feel free to ask any other questions
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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