Abnormal Circulating Ferritin Concentration C0853228
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. Abnormal ferritin levels may suggest iron deficiency or excess, and treatment depends on whether levels are too low or too high.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- D64.9
- ICD-11
- 3A00.0
- Body system
- hematologic
- Severity
- moderate
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Irregular heartbeat
Abnormal heart rhythm or palpitations that may indicate cardiac involvement from iron overload.
Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing chest pain, severe palpitations, or fainting episodes.
Enlarged liver
Abnormal swelling of the liver due to iron accumulation, detectable through physical examination or imaging.
Seek prompt medical evaluation if experiencing severe abdominal pain, yellowing of skin/eyes, or unexplained weight loss.
Persistent fatigue
(constitutional)Persistent feeling of tiredness and lack of energy that does not improve with rest, common in both low and high ferritin conditions.
Frequency: 70-80% of patients
Generalized weakness
(constitutional)Reduced muscle strength and overall physical weakness, often accompanying fatigue in iron-related disorders.
Frequency: 60-70% of patients
Pale skin complexion
(dermatologic)Unusually pale skin, particularly noticeable on the face, inner eyelids, and nail beds due to reduced iron levels.
Frequency: 50-60% of patients
Shortness of breath
(respiratory)Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless, especially during physical activity, due to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.
Frequency: 45-55% of patients
Dizziness or lightheadedness
(neurologic)Feeling faint, woozy, or unsteady, often occurring when standing up quickly.
Frequency: 40-50% of patients
Abdominal discomfort
(gastrointestinal)Pain or tenderness in the abdominal region, commonly associated with iron overload affecting the liver.
Frequency: 35-45% of patients
Joint pain and stiffness
(musculoskeletal)Pain, swelling, or stiffness in joints, particularly in the hands, knees, and hips, associated with iron deposition.
Frequency: 15-20% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Behavioral and nutritional therapy
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Iron supplementation
Oral iron replacement therapy to address iron deficiency and normalize ferritin levels. Iron salts provide bioavailable iron for hemoglobin synthesis and iron stores replenishment.
Iron-rich diet optimization
Increased consumption of heme iron sources such as lean red meat, poultry, and fish, along with non-heme iron sources including legumes, fortified cereals, and leafy greens.
Additional treatment options
Enhancement of iron absorption
Concurrent vitamin C intake with iron-rich foods to enhance non-heme iron absorption. Avoid consuming tea, coffee, or calcium with iron-rich meals.
lifestyleIron studies monitoring
Serial measurement of serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, and other iron indices to assess treatment response and prevent overtreatment.
monitoringInvestigation and treatment of underlying causes
Gastrointestinal evaluation including endoscopy or colonoscopy to identify and treat sources of chronic blood loss driving low ferritin levels.
procedureWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Circulating Ferritin Concentration C0853228?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
World Health Organization. WHO guidelines on integrated management of adolescent and adult illness (IMAI) and Annex: Anemia: methods and interpretation for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. Geneva: WHO; 2023.
Cappellini MD, Farmakis D, Kadir A, et al. Iron deficiency anemia and iron overload. In: European Society of Hematology (EHA) Guidelines on Management of Iron Deficiency and Iron Overload. Stockholm: EHA; 2022.
Wang W, Knovich MA, Coffman LG, et al. Serum ferritin: Past, present and future. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta. 2010;1800(8):760-769. doi:10.1016/j.bbagen.2010.03.011
Short MW, Domagalski JE. Iron deficiency anemia: Evaluation and management. American Family Physician. 2013;87(2):98-104.
American Society of Hematology. Clinical practice guidelines for iron deficiency and iron overload. Blood. 2020;136(Suppl 1):1-56.
Goddard AF, James MW, McIntyre AS, Scott BB. Guidelines for the management of iron deficiency anaemia. Gut. 2011;60(10):1309-1316. doi:10.1136/gut.2010.228874
British Society of Gastroenterology. UK guidelines on the management of iron deficiency and iron overload. Gut. 2021;70(12):2120-2136.
Hoffbrand AV, Pettit JE, Vyas P. Color Atlas of Clinical Hematology. 4th ed. London: Mosby Elsevier; 2010.
Camaschella C. Iron deficiency: New insights into diagnosis and treatment. Hematology ASH Education Program. 2020;2020(1):471-479.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC criteria for anemia in children and childbearing-aged women. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 1989;38(22):400-404.
Medication Comparisons
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy