High serum iron

I recently had routine blood tests done and they came back with a high bilirubin at 1.3 mg/dL, high serum iron at 220 mc/dL, high % saturaton at 60%, and high cholesterol at 214 mg/dL.  Do you think that these can be reversed by eliminating all alcohol and junk foods from my diet?  How long should I wait to be re-tested?  My father used to tell me that he had high blood iron levels and he was treated for that, but I cannot remember how.  I am a 54-year-old female.
Thanks.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I would obtain a ferritin level.  If elevated, you may want to be tested for hemochromatosis - which can be done via more blood tests and imaging (i.e. an ultrasound) the liver.

The elevated bilirubin level should necessitate further liver function testing, as well as an abdominal ultrasound which can look at the liver, gallbladder and biliary ducts.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
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