Hi.
I've been struggling with symptoms of high iron recently. Ferritin high in my last test so I'm now to be referred for further investigations.
Most significant symptoms have been fatigue,alongside heart palpitations with pain. I had a viral heart scare 9 yrs ago and I feel the same tingles down my arm with these palpitations...
Kate go to iron-deficiency-anaemia section you will get advice there cheers matt
High iron could suggest genetic haemochromatosis which could also account for fatigue and heart arrhythmia. The tests you have been sent for are likely to be to see if you have the genes. Treatment is simple - giving blood. For more information, see haemochromatosis.org.uk which is a helpful website.
If it is HH I hope you catch it early. It's quite easily treatable then. Good luck with this.
No history in the family so could it still be haemochromatosis do you think? My liver and renal function tests were ok
Hi Kate, High ferritin can have a number of causes but I would imagine your GP has GH in mind. As far as I can tell, there was no family history for me either but carriers are usually symptom free. Change in liver function is quite a late sign - I was 60 before getting a diagnosis of cirrhosis but had a variety of other symptoms by the time I was diagnosed with GH. The problem for GPs is that the symptoms of GH look pretty much like the products of age, lifestyle, weight etc and they are often treated discretely, rather than as a possible indicator of something else.
If you are not referred for genetic screening, mention GH to your GP and ask for it. The test costs about £50 but can save the NHS money in the long run if GH is left to develop its worst symptoms.
It would be good to hear what happens.
Mike
I had high ferritin & was tested for haemochromatosis. I was found to have one of the two genes normally needed so my local hospital said it was not affecting me. However on referral to Kings they said that the one gene can act co-activity with other risk factors for cirrhosis....I am also type 2 diabetic, so these factors could have caused my NASH cirrhosis.
Something to ask if your tests show one gene!
All the best
High GGT and cardiovascular risk
Internal bleeding & high potassium?
What is high, and what is dangerously high?
High bilirubin levels
