In most cases, this condition is caused by an underlying condition called primary hyperparathyroidism or overactive parathyroid glands. These glands are found either on or around the thyroid gland and produce parathyroid hormone, which, along with calcitonin (one of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland), play key roles in regulating the amount of calcium in the blood and bones. Immobility can lead to calcemia because over time, bones that don’t bear weight release calcium into the blood.
In other cases, certain cancers, medical conditions, medications and extensive consumption of calcium and vitamin D supplements can cause calcemia. Certain drugs like lithium (which is used to treat bipolar disorder) also can increase levels of parathyroid hormone, which can lead to more calcium being released into the blood. Rarely, a genetic disorder known as familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia can cause an increase in the calcium in the blood because of faulty calcium receptors in the body. Dehydration may be a temporary cause for mild calcemia because when there is less fluid in the body, calcium concentrations rise.
Calcium is a key mineral for many body functions, including bone formation and health, hormone release, muscle contraction, and nerve and brain function. Along with parathyroid hormone, the body’s vitamin D manages this nutrient, which is obtained when the skin is exposed to sunlight and from dietary sources such as eggs, dairy, fish and fortified cereals.
When the body doesn’t have enough calcium, the parathyroid glands release the hormone that triggers bones to release calcium into the blood, tells the digestive tract to absorb more calcium, and the kidneys to excrete less calcium and activate more vitamin D, which boosts calcium absorption. However, more isn’t always more. As with many nutrients, the key to maintaining good health is to maintain the delicate balance your body needs.
What Are the Symptoms?
In many cases, calcemia is diagnosed when patients are still asymptomatic, and in mild cases, no symptoms are typically present. In more severe cases, symptoms may affect certain parts of the body.
Kidney Symptoms
If there is too much calcium in the blood, your kidneys have to work extra hard to get rid of it. Symptoms may present themselves in the form of excessive thirst or more frequent urination. You also may experience flank pain between the back and upper abdomen on one side where your kidneys are because of their overuse.
Digestive Symptoms
Patients may experience an upset stomach, nausea, vomiting or constipation with hypercalcemia. It also can lead to poor appetite.
Bone and Muscle Symptoms
High levels of calcium in the blood may have come from your bones. Thus, patients may experience bone pain with hypercalcemia. Muscle weakness is not uncommon. Other patients have visible symptoms, including bowing shoulders, spinal column curvature or height loss, and patients with calcemia are at risk for pathological fractures due to the weakened state of their bones.
Psychological Symptoms
Patients with calcemia may experience a range of psychological symptoms with the increase of calcium in their blood. Among these symptoms, patients have reported experiencing apathy, depression and irritability.
Cognitive Symptoms
High levels of calcium in the blood can also interfere with brain function, resulting in confusion, lethargy, fatigue, dementia and memory loss.
What Can I Do?
Even though most causes of hypercalcemia cannot be prevented, women older than 50 should see their healthcare providers regularly and have blood calcium levels checked if they have symptoms or risk factors for the condition, including family history of hypercalcemia or hyperparathyroidism. If you take calcium supplements, check with your healthcare provider to ensure that you are taking the correct doses of these supplements.
If you begin to develop signs and symptoms that may indicate calcemia, including extreme thirst, frequent urination and abdominal pain, make an appointment to see your doctor. Treatment for your condition will depend on the underlying cause of the calcemia. People with primary hyperparathyroidism may require surgery to remove the abnormal parathyroid gland. Patients with severe hypercalcemia may require hospitalization to treat the condition with medication, dialysis, IV fluids and drugs to stop bone breakdown and absorption.
If you are a cancer patient and develop any of the symptoms of hypercalcemia, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. Hypercalcemia is considered a medical emergency in cancer patients and should receive immediate attention and treatment.
What Are the Complications?
People who have hypercalcemia are at risk of developing several conditions. According to the Mayo Clinic, such complications may include:
● Osteoporosis: Continuous release of calcium into the blood may cause osteoporosis, a condition that will put you at risk for bone fractures, curvature of the spinal column or reduced height.
● High Blood Pressure: Too much calcium in the blood can lead to high blood pressure.
● Kidney Stones: When the urine contains excess calcium, it may lead to formation of crystals in the kidneys. This ultimately may lead to the formation of kidney stones, which, when passing them, can be extremely painful.
● Kidney Failure: Severe cases of calcemia can cause the kidneys to become so overtaxed that they become damaged. This can limit their ability to remove toxins and fluid effectively, leading to kidney failure.
● Nervous System Problems: Severe cases can cause nervous system and cognitive problems, including confusion, dementia and coma.
● Arrhythmia: Arrhythmia can be caused by the effects of high levels of calcium on the electrical impulses that regulate the heart's rhythm, an irregular heartbeat.
Detecting severe health conditions such as calcemia is integral to your health, especially as you age. Regular physicals can ensure you don't miss a condition such as this that may endanger your health.