Calcium plays important roles in bone health, tooth structure, muscle contraction, nervous system health and proper blood clotting. Ninety-nine percent of the calcium found in the body is located in the bones. The remaining 1 percent is divided between the body's cells and the bloodstream.
Physiology
Two hormones, calcitonin and parathyroid hormone, regulate the levels of calcium in the blood. When calcium levels drop too low, the parathyroid glands release parathyroid hormones to pull calcium from the bones and deposit it into the bloodstream. When calcium levels get too high, the thyroid gland produces excess calcitonin, which slows the release of calcium from the bones in an attempt to return calcium levels back to normal. Too much calcium in the bloodstream, medically referred to as hypercalcemia, occurs a result of a disruption in this process.
Causes
One of the most common causes of hypercalcemia is overproduction of the parathyroid hormones, according to MayoClinic.com. Underlying conditions, such as cancer, tuberculosis and inflammatory lung diseases, can also cause the accumulation of calcium in the bloodstream. Certain medications may also contribute to hypercalcemia. Excessive calcium and vitamin D intake through supplementation can also cause a dangerous increase in blood calcium levels.
Symptoms
Mild hypercalcemia does not usually cause any physical symptoms. As the levels of calcium accumulate, however, it can result in nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, muscle aches, confusion and fatigue. MayoClinic.com notes older adults are more likely to experience muscle pain and weakness.
Treatment
Initial treatment for hypercalcemia focuses on regulating calcium levels in the bloodstream. Depending on the severity of the hypercalcemia, this may include administration of intravenous fluids, diuretic medications, calcitonin supplementation or dialysis. Once calcium levels return to normal, further treatment depends on the specific cause of the increase in calcium.
Complications
One of the most common complications of hypercalcemia is osteoporosis. When calcium is continually pulled from the bones, it causes them to weaken and become brittle. This leaves the affected individual more prone to fractures and curvature of the spine. Hypercalcemia can also lead to the development of kidney stones as well as possible kidney damage. Because calcium plays a role in the nervous system, excess calcium in the blood can also cause neural symptoms, such as confusion and coma. Hypercalcemia can also cause an irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia.
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