The mineral calcium is very vital to normal body functions like the transmission of nerve impulses, maintenance of normal heart rhythms and normal blood clot formation, according to VirtualMedicalCentre.com. In hypercalcemia, the level of calcium in the blood is too high and can interfere with these functions. Excess calcium levels can be caused by over-activity of the parathyroid glands, cancer, some medications and overuse of calcium supplements, according to the MayoClinic.com. The side effects of excess calcium in the blood can be very serious or even life-threatening.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Excess calcium levels can cause gastrointestinal problems like nausea, vomiting and constipation, according to ChemoCare.com. People with high calcium levels may also complain of lack of appetite and abdominal pain. The high calcium levels interfere with the smooth muscle activity in the GI tract that causes these side effects, according to VirtualMedicalCentre.com. Some patients become dehydrated because of the nausea and vomiting; the dehydration can also make the high calcium levels and associated symptoms worse.
Muscle Weakness
Another side effect of high calcium levels is muscle weakness. The amount of muscle weakness is associated with the level of excess calcium in the blood, according to VirtualMedicalCentre.com. The hypercalcemia affects the signal conduction of the muscles that leads to the muscle weakness. Some patients also experience some muscle pain as well, according to the MayoClinic.com.
Heart Problems
The heart muscle becomes more sensitive where there are high amounts of calcium in the blood. High calcium levels can impact the electrical system of the heart which can cause an irregular heartbeat, according to MayoClinic.com. The effects of excess calcium on the heart can be life-threatening; a person with hypercalcemia is at risk for cardiac arrest.
Confusion
Excess calcium levels can cause mental confusion and concentration problems, according to Cancer Research UK. The function of the nervous system is regulated by calcium; extra calcium alters the functioning of the central nervous system, according to MayoClinic.com. If untreated, high calcium levels can lead to lethargy, coma and death.
Kidney Problems
Excess calcium levels can affect the kidneys in several ways. Patients may develop kidney stones or kidney pain, according to VirtualMedicalCentre.com. With untreated hypercalcemia, the kidneys lose the ability to clean the blood which can cause increased urination. The kidneys may lose function altogether; the patient may need dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive, according to the MayoClinic.com.
Osteoporosis
Another potential side effect of excess calcium in the blood may be osteoporosis which is thinning of the bone, according to the MayoClinic.com. In hypercalcemia caused by cancer or overactive parathyroid glands, some of the extra calcium may be extracted or removed from the bones, which causes them to become weaker. Osteoporosis can lead to bone fractures and curvature of the spine.
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