The term hypercalcemia refers to having too
much calcium in the blood. For some, the cause is an overactive parathyroid
gland, certain medications, too much vitamin D, or underlying health
conditions, including cancer.
Calcium plays an essential role in the body. It
helps to build strong bones and teeth, while also supporting the muscles,
nerves, and heart. However, too much calcium can lead to problems.
In this article, we explore
the symptoms, causes, and complications of hypercalcemia. We
also describe how it can be diagnosed and treated.
What is hypercalcemia?
Calcium levels in the blood are mostly controlled by the
parathyroid glands. These four tiny glands sit behind the thyroid.
When the body needs calcium, the
parathyroid glands secrete a hormone. This hormone signals:
· the
bones to release calcium into the blood
· the
kidneys to excrete less calcium into the urine
· the
kidneys to activate vitamin D, which helps the digestive tract to absorb
more calcium
Overactive parathyroid glands or
an underlying health condition can disrupt the balance of calcium.
If calcium levels become too
high, a person may be diagnosed with hypercalcemia. This condition
can impede bodily functions, and may specifically be associated with:
· poor
bone health
· kidney
stones
· abnormal
heart and brain function
Extremely high levels of calcium in the blood can become
life-threatening.
Symptoms
Mild hypercalcemia may not result
in symptoms, while more serious hypercalcemia can cause:
Excessive thirst and frequent urination.
Too much calcium means that the kidneys have to work harder. As a result, a
person may urinate more often, leading to dehydration and increased
thirst.
Stomach pain and digestive problems.
Too much calcium can cause an upset stomach, abdominal pain, nausea,
vomiting, and constipation.
Bone pain and muscle weakness. Hypercalcemia can
cause the bones to release too much calcium, leaving them deficient. This
abnormal bone activity can lead to pain and muscle weakness.
Confusion, lethargy, and fatigue. Too much calcium
in the blood can affect the brain, causing these symptoms.
Anxiety and depression. Hypercalcemia may
also affect mental health.
High blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms.
High levels of calcium can increase blood pressure and lead to
electrical abnormalities that change the heart's rhythm, adding strain.
Causes
A number of factors and underlying conditions can
cause hypercalcemia. These include:
Overactive parathyroid glands
The
parathyroid glands control calcium levels. If they work too hard, this can lead
to hypercalcemia.
The parathyroid glands may become overactive when one is enlarged
or when a noncancerous growth forms on one.
Having overactive parathyroid glands is called
hyperparathyroidism. This may be the most common
cause of hypercalcemia.
Hyperparathyroidism is usually diagnosed in people aged
between 50 and 60. It is also up to three times more common in women than
men.
Too much
vitamin D
Vitamin D triggers calcium absorption in the gut. Once
absorbed, calcium travels into the bloodstream.
Only 10–20 percent of the calcium in the diet is usually
absorbed, while the rest is passed in stools. However, excessive amounts of
vitamin D cause the body to absorb more calcium, leading to hypercalcemia.
In 2012, some researchers suggested that therapeutic
high-dose vitamin D supplementation has the potential to
cause hypercalcemia. These supplements can be used in the treatment
of multiple sclerosis and other conditions.
The Food and Nutrition Board in the United States defines high
doses of vitamin D as more than 4,000 international units (IU) per
day. The recommended daily dose for adults is 600–800 IU per day.
Cancer
If a person has cancer, this may cause hypercalcemia.
Cancers that commonly lead to this condition include:
· lung
cancer
· breast
cancer
· blood
cancers
In 2013, it was estimated that each
year hypercalcemia affects more than 2 percent of all
cancer patients in the U.S. Also, up to 30 percent of people with cancer will
have high levels of calcium over the course of the disease.
If cancer spreads to the bone, this increases the risk
of hypercalcemia.
Source: Medical News Today
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