The risks of a high iron level in the blood depend on the reason for the high level and how high the level is.

If it's only slightly high, it could be due to an iron supplement you are taking. There is probably little risk with that. In this situation, I would recommend having your iron tests rechecked. And ask your doctor whether you should stop taking the supplement.

An elevated iron level can be due to a genetic condition called hereditary hemochromatosis. With this disease, the digestive tract absorbs too much iron. The excess iron deposits throughout the body, causing damage to important organs including the liver, heart and pancreas. If this is the cause of your elevated iron, it's important that it be diagnosed and treated. If you are diagnosed with this condition, your family members should have their iron levels checked as well.

Another cause of high blood iron is frequent blood transfusions to treat the anemia associated with certain blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease. Liver inflammation (as with chronic hepatitis) also can raise blood iron levels.

The best ways to lower your blood iron level depend on why it is elevated. Options include:

• Avoiding iron supplements
• Avoiding excessive blood transfusions (unless they are truly necessary)
• Avoiding excessive iron intake in foods such as liver, red meats and fortified cereals
• Having blood removed (called phlebotomy). This is the main treatment for hereditary hemochromatosis
• Receiving effective treatment of an underlying blood disorder or liver inflammation

Talk to your doctor about the details of your iron test results and what the next steps should be with regard to additional evaluation or treatment.