The mineral calcium is important for bone health, muscle contraction, hormone release, and proper functioning of the peripheral nerves and brain. Most of the calcium in the body is stored in the bones, but a small amount of the mineral circulates in the blood. When calcium levels in the blood accumulate and become too high, the condition is referred to as hypercalcemia.
Causes
In normal circumstances, calcium in the blood is regulated by the parathyroid hormone and a hormone called calcitonin. When calcium levels drop too low, parathyroid hormone production increases to raise them. When calcium levels raise too high, calcitonin slows the release of calcium from the bones to drop them. In hypercalcemia, this hormone balance becomes skewed, and too much calcium is allowed into the blood.
Several factors can cause the hormone imbalance leading to hypercalcemia, one of the most common of which is hyperparathyroidism, or excess production of the parathyroid hormone by the parathyroid glands. When certain cancers spread to the bone, it can cause a release of calcium into the blood that can also lead to hypercalcemia, according to Lab Tests Online. Other causes include tuberculosis, lung disease, certain medications, excessive consumption of calcium supplements and dehydration.
Symptoms
Mild hypercalcemia may not produce any symptoms. However, when hypercalcemia is moderate to severe, it can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, constipation, increase in urinary frequency, muscle weakness, muscle pain and fatigue. Hypercalcemia can also cause a variety of psychological symptoms as well, according to Medline Plus, such as dementia, depression, irritability, mental confusion and memory loss.
Treatment
Initial treatment for hypercalcemia focuses on immediate restoration of proper calcium levels. This may include intravenous fluids, diuretics, administration of synthetic calcitonin and glucocorticoids. Those with severe hypercalcemia that also have kidney damage may require hemodialysis to remove the excess calcium from the blood, according to MayoClinic.com. After calcium levels in the blood return to normal, treatment then focuses on correcting the underlying cause.
Complications
If left untreated, hypercalcemia can lead to a variety of health complications, one of which is osteoporosis. When the bones constantly release calcium into the blood, they lose their strength and become weak and brittle. Kidney stones may also develop as a result of too much calcium in the blood. Over time, calcium crystals in the blood harden and form stones in the kidneys. Hypercalcemia can also lead to kidney failure, abnormal heartbeat and improper nervous system functioning.
Lifestyle Changes
MayoClinic.com recommends a number of lifestyle changes to decrease the risk of developing complications from hypercalcemia. Drinking adequate amounts of water can prevent dehydration and formation of kidney stones. Regular exercise can contribute to bone strength and help prevent osteoporosis from developing. Smoking can contribute to bone loss, so it is important for smokers to quit.
