What do high ferritin levels cause in the body?

High ferritin levels can cause physical symptoms such as stomach pain, joint pain, heart palpitations, chest pain, and unexplained weakness or fatigue, according to Healthline. A surplus of ferritin in the body can be a sign of certain health conditions.

One of the conditions that elevate ferritin levels is hemochromatosis, a disorder characterized by excessive absorption and storage of iron in the body, says Healthline. Other culprits include rheumatoid arthritis, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, adult Still’s disease and type 2 diabetes. Blood cancers such as leukemia or Hodgkin’s lymphoma can also be a factor, as well as other circumstances such as iron poisoning and frequent blood transfusions.