Hypercalcemia is a condition in which too much calcium is in the blood. It is caused by a variety of conditions such as an overactive parathyroid gland, prescription medications, calcium regulation diseases and cancer. It may also be due to an excessive intake of calcium or vitamin D. Calcium plays an important role in a variety of bodily processes and high levels can be dangerous.
Symptoms
There may be no signs or symptoms of high levels of calcium in the blood. Rapid or acute elevations in calcium levels often result in more severe symptoms as compared to chronic hypercalcemia, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, decreased appetite, increased thirst and urination, muscle weakness and fatigue, abdominal pain and constipation, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Osteoporosis
The majority of calcium in the body is found in the bones and teeth. Hypercalcemia may be caused by an excessive release of calcium from the bones into the bloodstream, according to the Mayo Clinic. A lack of calcium in the bones increases the risk of osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones are weaker and thinner leading to an increased risk of fractures and breaks. Calcium and phosphate combine together in bone to form the major component of bone matrix that is used to build new bone.
Kidney Problems
High levels of calcium in the blood increases the risk of developing kidney stones, according to the National Institutes of Health. Kidney stones are made of acid salts and minerals such as calcium in the body that crystallize into hard deposits in kidneys. There are several types of kidney stones with the most common being calcium stones. The kidneys can also be damaged by high levels of calcium in the blood. This decreases the blood-filtering capabilities of the kidneys leading to increased urine production, dehydration and possible kidney failure.
Nervous and Cardiovascular System
High levels of calcium in the blood increases the risk of damage to the cardiovascular and nervous system. Calcium functions in regulating the heartbeat and hypercalcemia may cause irregular heartbeats, a condition called arrhythmia. Proper nerve cell functioning is also dependent on normal calcium levels. Damage to the nerves of the brain and spinal cord can cause confusion, muscle coordination problems, hallucinations, personality changes and possibly coma leading to death, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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