Approximately 99 percent of the calcium in the body is located in the bones and the remaining 1 percent is located in other body cells and circulates in the bloodstream. Certain conditions can cause an excess release of calcium from the bones into the blood. Too much calcium in the bloodstream can be toxic and lead to a potentially dangerous health condition called hypercalcemia.
Calcium Regulation
Calcium is normally regulated by two hormones: parathyroid hormone and calcitonin. When calcium levels in the blood fall too low, the parathyroid gland releases parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone stimulates the release of calcium from the bone so that the levels in the blood increase. When calcium levels get too high, the thyroid gland releases calcitonin, which stops the release of calcium from the bone. Hypercalcemia occurs when this normal process is disrupted in some way.
Causes
The most common cause of hypercalcemia is hyperparathyroidism. This condition occurs when the parathyroid glands release excess amounts of parathyroid hormones. Other causes of hypercalcemia include certain types of cancer, certain medications, excessive intake of calcium supplements and dehydration, according to MayoClinic.com.
Symptoms
Excess amounts of calcium in the blood can cause a variety of physical symptoms that affect different body systems. Common gastrointestinal symptoms include constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, decreased appetite and vomiting. When the kidneys are affected, it can cause increase in thirst, frequent urination and pain. Skeletal symptoms include bone pain, bone curvature, increased risk of fractures and loss of height, according to Medline Plus. Hypercalcemia can also cause psychological symptoms including memory loss, irritability, dementia and loss of emotion.
Treatment
Initial treatment for hypercalcemia focuses on restoring normal levels of calcium in the blood via the administration of intravenous fluids and the use of diuretics. Further treatment for hypercalcemia depends on the underlying cause of the condition. If the condition is caused by hyperparathyroidism, a variety of medications may be used to stop the release of excess amounts of parathyroid hormone. If medications are ineffective, the malfunctioning gland may be surgically removed.
Complications
If left untreated, hypercalcemia can cause the bones to continually release calcium, which can lead to the bone disease osteoporosis. Hypercalcemia can also lead to the development of kidney stones and possibly cause kidney failure. Hypercalcemia can also cause abnormal heart rhythms and nervous system dysfunction.
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