Hypercalcemia is a condition wherein the calcium levels in one’s blood exceed the normal range. Calcium is abundant in human bodies and is required throughout one’s lifetime for proper maintenance of hormone levels, bone growth and strength, and much more. Though hypercalcemia is a somewhat common occurrence, levels that are highly elevated can cause many issues from weakened bones to kidney stones. There could be any number of reasons for this spike in calcium concentration, which we will discuss later, but symptoms are rarely noticeable unless a case is severe, resulting in debilitating complications.
Hence, it is recommended that regular check-ups include a measurement of calcium levels in the blood. If you wish to be examined for irregularities in blood mineral levels, we recommend you consult a professional. These Nephrologists in Shifa International Hospital are perfect options for those who reside in Islamabad.
Symptoms
As mentioned above, symptoms may not be present if your hypercalcemia is mild. However, a severe case of hypercalcemia would result in symptoms related to organs that are most affected by calcium levels. These organs and the accompanying symptoms include:
- Kidneys: Excessive calcium overworks the kidneys, making it harder to filter it as well as other minerals in the blood. This can cause excessive thirst and urination, as well as the production of kidney stones.
- Brain: Neuron-interactions and proper functioning are heavily dependent on calcium, hence elevated levels can cause symptoms of depression, fatigue, lethargy, and memory loss. It could also result in a coma.
- Digestive System: It is not uncommon for one to experience constipation, nausea and vomiting as a result of hypercalcemia.
- Muscles and Heart: Cardiac and skeletal muscles are gravely affected, potentially causing heart palpitations, twitches, cramps, and muscle fatigue. In some cases one might experience cardiac arrhythmia and other major issues.
- Skeletal System: In many cases the elevated blood calcium levels may be caused by calcium being leeched from the bones, which can cause severe weakness, bone pains and osteoporosis.
Causes
Calcium levels in the blood are normally regulated by the interactions between calcium, vitamin D, and a hormone known as parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH is produced by four parathyroid glands located behind the thyroid in the neck, and its blood levels dictate how much calcium is drawn into the blood from the intestines, bones and kidneys. PTH levels rise when blood calcium is low, and vice versa.
This balance may be disturbed by a number of factors which include:
- Hyperparathyroidism: This condition results from overactive parathyroid glands, most commonly caused by a benign tumor affecting any of the glands. An overactive parathyroid gland means more PTH, which means more blood calcium.
- Medications: Common medications like thiazide diuretics, lithium, vitamin D and calcium supplements could also result in hypercalcemia.
- Cancer: Lung and Breast cancers are the kinds most commonly associated with higher risk of hypercalcemia, since they may result in elevated vitamin D levels.
- Genetic Inheritance: There is a rare genetic disease known as familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, which results in higher calcium levels due to ineffective calcium receptors in the body.
- Dehydration: Reduced fluid volume in the blood means there is a higher concentration of calcium at any given time, leading to mild cases of hypercalcemia. Though the severity may be worse if you suffer from chronic kidney disease.
If you suffer from a number of associated symptoms, you should visit a professional to rule out hypercalcemia immediately, as to avoid complications. We recommend these Nephrologist in Karachi, as they are great options for those living within that city.
