Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body and is found predominantly in bones and teeth. Some calcium is also found in the bloodstream. In addition to its role in building strong bones and teeth, calcium is important for normal cell functioning, muscle contractions and nerve functioning. Too much calcium in the body leads to a condition called hypercalcemia. The most common causes of hypercalcemia are cancer and increased activity of the parathyroid gland.
Calcium Levels
Under normal circumstances, the body maintains the required balance between the calcium found in the tissues and the calcium obtained in the diet. Normal levels of calcium for adults are 8.6 to 10.3 mg per deciliter. According to "Sheehy's Emergency Nursing Principles and Practice," when calcium levels exceed 13.5 mg/dL, immediate correction of the problem is necessary.
Gastrointestinal
A patient with hypercalcemia may experience nausea, constipation and decreased appetite. Stomach pain and peptic ulcers are not uncommon with hypercalcemia. A peptic ulcer is a hole in the lining of a portion of the intestines, usually the esophagus, stomach or duodenum.
Kidney
The effects of hypercalcemia on the kidneys can range from frequent urination to flank pain and kidney stones. Kidney stones most commonly are formed from calcium and other minerals. The higher the levels of calcium in the bloodstream, the greater the potential for kidney stones. Dehydration can also contribute to kidney stones. If the patient has a decreased appetite with poor fluid intake, there is additional risk for developing kidney stones. When the kidneys are not able to excrete waste products with normal urination, the buildup of toxic waste products can lead to kidney failure.
Bone
As calcium is depleted from the bones, osteoporosis can develop. Patients will experience a curvature of the spine, discomfort and loss in height as the curvature worsens. Bones will become brittle and have a greater risk of breaking.
Cardiac
Increased levels of calcium can affect the electrical impulses that regulate the heartbeat, causing abnormal rhythms, or arrhythmia. Patients may experience palpitations and unexplained fainting episodes. When serum calcium levels rise above 15 mg/dL, there is a potential for cardiac arrest.
Neurological and Muscular
Hypercalcemia's primary effects may be noticed in the patient's neurologic symptoms. Patients may be lethargic and confused and have a depressed level of consciousness. Patients will also experience weakness and decreased deep-tendon reflexes as calcium levels increase in the bloodstream.
References
- "Fluids and Electrolytes DeMystified"; McGraw Hill; 2008
- "Sheehy's Emergency Nursing Principles and Practice"; Mosby Elsevier; 2010
- "Patient Care"; Life-Threatening Electrolyte Abnormalities; Miller and Graham; December 2006
