Too much calcium in the blood, or hypercalcemia, may be caused by dysfunction of the parathyroid glands, the effects of medications, conditions such as rickets, kidney disease and cancer, immobility and rarely, excessive oral intake of calcium. The mineral and electrolyte is found in all cell membranes and bones inside the body. Calcium affects muscles and works as a neurotransmitter. Symptoms of hypercalcemia may include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and constipation. If the condition is prolonged or severe, it could lead to serious complications.
Kidney Damage
Certain hormones affect the amount of calcium eliminated by the kidneys. The parathyroid glands, located behind the thyroid gland in the neck, secrete a hormone that aids the absorption of calcium from food, speeds up the release of skeletal calcium and slows the excretion of calcium in the urine. The New York Times Health Guide reports that hypercalcemia most often occurs in women over 50 due to enlargement of the parathyroid glands. Normally, when calcium in the blood reaches the proper level, the thyroid gland secretes calcitonin, another hormone that helps conserve calcium in the bones. Excessive calcium in the blood causes an accumulation of calcium in the kidneys, which may lead to the formation of kidney stones, or renal calculi. Stones may cause blockages, severe pain and an increased risk of kidney infection. Over time, hypercalcemia can lead to end-stage renal disease, or kidney failure. Treatment for end-stage renal disease is limited to ongoing dialysis or kidney transplant. Symptoms of calcium build-up in the kidneys may include flank pain, excessive thirst and more frequent urination, posing a danger of dehydration.
Osteoporosis
According to The National Kidney Foundation, 99 percent of total body calcium is normally stored in the skeleton, with .6 percent in the soft tissues and .1 percent in fluid entering and leaving cells. When calcium leaves the bones and builds up in the blood, a subsequent loss of skeletal density may lead to bone pain, fractures, formation of bone cysts or tumors in long bones. Calcium loss in bones may also cause malformation of the spine between the shoulder blades, giving a patient a hunched-over appearance and shortening her stature.
Heart Problems
An article on hypercalcemia published in the May 2003 "American Family Physician" states cardiovascular effects may include mineral deposits in the blood vessels, high blood pressure and electrocardiogram changes, specifically a shortened QT interval. Irregular heartbeat, or cardiac arrhythmia, is a rare complication of hypercalcemia.
Impaired Mental Health
Calcium affects the brain and nervous system function. Drugs.com reports that too much calcium in the blood may cause psychological symptoms such as apathy, depression and irritability. Severe hypercalcemia from end-stage cancer or kidney failure may cause confusion, agitation, memory loss and delusions, a condition known as dementia.
