Calcium is necessary for normal formation of bone, proper muscular and hormonal function, and smooth functioning of the nervous system. Abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood result in a condition known hypercalcemia, which can adversely affect various systems in the body. The primary cause of hypercalcemia is parathyroidism, or an overactive parathyroid gland. The parathyroid gland regulates calcium levels in the body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the condition is more common in women over 50. Symptoms can vary in severity; however, most people experience no symptoms at all.
Stomach and Kidney
Abdominal symptoms associated with high blood calcium are nausea, constipation, pain, loss of appetite and vomiting. Hypercalcemic symptoms involving the kidney include frequent urination and thirst, flank pain and kidney stones due to excess calcium buildup in the kidneys.
Muscular and Skeletal
Because calcium is essential for normal muscular contraction, too much can cause muscle atrophy, muscular twitching and weakness. Skeletal symptoms include height loss, curvature of the spinal column, bone fractures and bowing of the shoulders.
Mental Health
Psychological symptoms of hypercalcemia include depression, dementia, memory loss, irritability, apathy and coma, the last of which can be fatal.
Diagnosis
To determine if a person has hypercalcemia, a doctor may perform tests such as a serum PTH test to determine the level of parathyroid hormone in the blood, a serum calcium test to determine calcium levels in the blood, and a serum urine test to determine the amount calcium in the urine.
Treatment:
Restoring blood calcium levels to normal requires diagnosing and treating the underlying cause. Surgery may be the only option if hypercalcemia is due to an overactive parathyroid gland. A patient may need to be hospitalized and given fluids through IV, and drugs such as steroids, bisphosphonates and calcitonin to treat the condition.
Prevention
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, causes of hypercalcemia cannot be prevented. If you take calcium supplements, you should let your doctor know so your blood calcium levels do not get too high. It is recommended that you get regular blood calcium screenings if you are a woman over 50. You should also inform your doctor if you have a family history of hypercalcemia or hyperparathyroidism, or if you experience any symptoms you feel are cause for concern.
