Hypercalcemia (increased calcium in the blood)

Symptoms of high blood calcium

The doctor usually finds out one of the main reasons for this condition when collecting anamnesis - for example, the patient’s diet contains too much calcium-containing foods, or the patient is taking pharmacological agents that contain a high concentration of calcium. However, the most effective and reliable method to find out whether a person really has high calcium is a general blood test. During diagnosis, two types of calcium are observed - ionized and total.

The most common symptoms of hypercalcemia from the gastrointestinal tract:

• loss of appetite;
• pain in the abdomen;
• nausea;
• frequent constipation;
• vomit.

If there is an increased content of this element in the blood, dehydration may occur. Symptoms of this condition are usually pronounced - dizziness, loss of consciousness, weight loss.

If the level of calcium in a person’s blood is excessively elevated, conditions develop in which there is a disruption in brain function:

• weakness;
• emotional instability;
• hallucinations;
• confusion;
• delusional states;
• coma.

Symptoms such as heart rhythm disturbances and tachycardia can also be noted. In advanced cases, death occurs.

There is also a condition in which the level of Ca in the patient’s blood is constantly elevated - this is chronic hypercalcemia. In this case, stones that contain calcium begin to form in the kidneys. Symptoms: severe pain in the lumbar region, swelling, urinary retention.

Calcium intake rates for different groups of people

Decreased calcium levels (hypocalcemia):

• Vitamin D deficiency;
• Taking certain medications
• Hypoparathyroidism (primary or secondary) insufficient function of the parathyroid gland;
• Pseudohypoparathyroidism (hereditary disease);
• with pancreatic necrosis;
• Pathologies of the kidneys or liver (chronic renal failure, liver failure);
• Violation of acid-base balance.

– one of the essential microelements for the human body. Its normal level in the blood is required for the proper functioning of many internal organs. In some cases, there may be a lack of calcium, in others there may be an excess of the substance in the body.

In today’s material, we’ll talk about the second phenomenon, looking at the essence of hypercalcemia, its symptoms and danger in more detail. Interesting? Then be sure to read the article below to the end.

As mentioned above, calcium is one of the most important microelements for the human body. Numerous scientific studies have proven that this substance is a kind of building material for human internal organs and is involved in most biochemical processes at the cellular level.

The main importance of calcium for the body is the formation and development of the skeleton as a person grows older, as well as maintaining its normal condition throughout life. In addition to its integral participation in the creation of bones, the substance also stimulates the growth of dental tissue, nails and hair.

The applied, but no less important functions of calcium in the body are considered to be:

1. normalization of general metabolism
2. preventing allergies
3. stabilization of the functioning of cardiovascular structures
4. fight against inflammatory processes
5. regulation of the central nervous system
6. participation in reactions preceding blood clotting
7. activation of the production of hormonal substances and enzymes
8. normalization of a person’s psycho-emotional background

The importance of calcium for the human body simply cannot be underestimated. In the early stages of a person’s life, an excess or deficiency of a substance can provoke irreparable anomalies in the development of the skeleton, and in adulthood, the development of the most dangerous pathologies.

Taking this into account, all people are simply obliged to periodically check the level of calcium in the blood and, if necessary, normalize it. Otherwise, there will always be risks of diseases of unknown origin.

Causes of hypercalcemia

The phenomenon of a stable increase in calcium in human blood is called “hypercalcemia”. This human condition is rightfully considered pathological, so ignoring its presence is unacceptable. Initially, pathology can be determined by indirect signs of its manifestation, expressed in disruption of the functioning of certain body systems. However, to organize therapy and accurately confirm the diagnosis, you simply cannot do without biochemical blood tests.

Calcium in the human body can be found either in free form or in combination with other substances. When examining patients, doctors take into account both types of calcium and determine the following standards for them:

• no more than 2.6 mmol per liter for total calcium (a substance that is combined with other trace elements)
• no more than 1.3 mmol per liter for free calcium

The direct degree of hypercalcemia is usually determined by the content of the free element in the blood. With a slight excess, the calcium level is no more than 2 mmol per liter, with an average – 2.5 mmol per liter, with a severe excess – it is in an amount of 3 mmol per liter.

The cause of the development of hypercalcemia can be many factors, expressed in the malfunction of one or another body system. Often the cause of pathology is:

• malfunctions
• kidney problems
• cardiovascular pathologies
• neurological diseases
• oncological diseases of internal organs

In addition, long-term use of certain medications can provoke an increase in calcium in the blood. An excess of “calcium” foods in the diet rarely causes hypercalcemia. The root cause of the problem can only be definitively identified within the walls of the clinic through specialized examinations. Taking this into account, any person who detects hypercalcemia should not hesitate to consult a doctor, otherwise the appearance of complications of existing pathologies will only be a matter of time.

The main symptoms of increased microelement

With the maximum guarantee, it is possible to diagnose hypercalcemia only in a hospital if you undergo a certain set of examinations. Based solely on the symptoms of the problem, its presence can only be suspected, but not diagnosed.

Typical signs of high blood calcium are as follows:

• increased frequency of headaches and dizziness
• increased dryness and other skin problems
• development of caries on dental tissue
• nail damage
• fragility or excessive hair loss
• bone problems (for example, loss of bone density)
• increased weakness and decreased performance
• causeless cramps
• prolonged bleeding from wounds or gum lesions, indicating problems with blood clotting
• manifestations of various cardiovascular pathologies
• vomiting and nausea
• frequent constipation and gastrointestinal pain
• kidney problems

The more complex the symptoms discussed are, the higher the risk that a person develops hypercalcemia. Its manifestations should not be ignored. It is not difficult to determine the exact cause of the problem in modern medicine, so there is no point in being afraid of visiting the clinic.

Possible complications of the problem

Hypercalcemia is one of the main factors in the accelerated leaching of calcium from the bone tissue of the human body. The development of such a condition is extremely dangerous for any person, as it provokes malfunctions in the functioning of many internal organs.

At first, hypercalcemia will not manifest itself clearly, occurring in its acute form, however, as the disease becomes chronic, one should expect the first complications.

Typical consequences of long-term and untreated pathology are as follows:

1. cardiovascular pathologies (cases with heart rhythm disturbances are especially common in patients with hypercalcemia)
2. kidney problems, usually manifested as
3. development of chronic seizures and accompanying complications
4. increase in chronic diseases of the body
5. disruption of internal organs (liver, brain, etc.)

In especially severe cases, hypercalcemia can provoke coma or death due to cardiac arrest in the patient. Taking into account such a high danger of excess calcium in the body, one should respond to it adequately and eliminate the problem in a timely manner.

Basic

In 80 percent of cases, increased calcium levels are caused by a disease such as primary hyperparathyroidism. In turn, this disease is observed in 50 percent of people who suffer from cancer. Most often, hyperparathyroidism occurs in women who have reached menopause.

The disease can occur as a result of prolonged stimulation of the parathyroid glands by a decrease in calcium in the blood. Therefore, for this disease, which in most cases is associated with renal failure (often chronic), it will not be characterized by increased calcium levels, but by normo- or hypocalcemia.

The most common reasons why hypercalcemia may develop are:

• primary, tertiary, isolated hyperparathyroidism;
• Hodgkin's lymphoma, Burkita's;
• among women – breast cancer;
• tuberculosis;
• malignant neoplasm of the lungs;
• myeloma;
• hypernephroma;
• granulomatosis;
• squamous cell carcinoma;
• sarcoidosis;
• diseases associated with dysfunction of the thyroid gland, symptoms – hormonal disorders;
• Vitamin A and D levels are increased;
• alkaline milk syndrome may be one of the reasons why calcium levels in the blood are elevated;
• excess prolactin and somatotropin;
• tumors of malignant origin;
• immobilization.

All of the above reasons can be combined in some cases, so let’s look at the causes and symptoms of high calcium in the blood in more detail.

Hematological tumor diseases

Lymphosarcoma, myeloma, lymphoma affect bone tissue, resulting in the production of cytokines. They, in turn, stimulate osteoclasts, thus causing resorption of bone tissue, and contribute to the formation of diffuse osteopenia and osteolytic transformations.

Bone structure with normal and calcium deficiency

Malignant neoplasms

An increased level of this element in 50 percent of cases is caused by neoplasms of the mammary glands, with the presence of metastases in the bones. Such patients are susceptible to osteoresorption as a result of local synthesis of prostaglandins or destruction of bone tissue.

Such metastases, as a rule, can be detected after special examinations - scintigraphy or x-rays. The level of examinations must be high, as well as the doctor’s specialization.

In some cases, elevated calcium levels also occur in patients who have malignant neoplasms that are not accompanied by tissue metastasis. This condition can occur in people who are susceptible to squamous cell carcinoma, ovarian or breast cancer. Thanks to recent research, it has been found that malignant tumors can, in very rare cases, produce parathyroid hormone.

Sarcoidosis

This disease can cause increased calcium in the blood in 20 percent of cases, and with hypercalciuria - in 40 percent. These symptoms have also been described by specialists for other granulomatous diseases - for example, tuberculosis, coccidioidomycosis, berylliosis, etc.

Symptoms of calcium deficiency and excess

Diseases associated with the endocrine system

Ionized elevated calcium can be observed with acromegaly, thyrotoxicosis, pheochromocytoma, excess prolactin, hypocortisolism, etc. The reasons for such conditions are that the lack of certain hormones leads to the fact that the mineralization process is reduced, and some hormones are able to stimulate the activity of osteoclasts, which causes increased calcium.

Use of certain pharmacological drugs

Thiazide diuretics can enhance calcium reabsorption, that is, both ionized and total calcium in the blood increases.

The effects of lithium preparations on the body have not yet been fully studied. Many experts claim that lithium has the ability to interact with receptors, gradually reducing their sensitivity, causing hyperplasia and hypertrophy with regular use.

If the reasons why total calcium is elevated have not been established, in this case, doctors recommend temporarily refraining from using lithium-based medications. Another established fact: lithium can reduce the activity of thyroid hormones, which leads to hypothyroidism. This condition can also involve hormonal mechanisms of increasing calcium in the blood.

Milk-alkali syndrome

Occurs in people who seek to eliminate the symptoms of ulcers and gastritis by using alkalizing drugs, or by eating excessive amounts of cow's milk. In this case, the high calcium level in the blood is reversible. If this particular factor causes this condition, then you should forget about treating the ulcer in similar ways and start another therapy, after consulting with your doctor.

Ionized calcium must be present in the body, but an increase in its concentration in the blood can be accompanied by serious impairment of kidney function.

Iatrogenic causes

Ionized calcium can increase as a result of prolonged immobilization (this phenomenon means that there is no load on the skeleton at all). The calcium level in the blood may increase just a few weeks after bed rest is indicated (for example, after surgery, etc.).

These conditions rarely occur in children; older people are more susceptible to increased calcium levels in the blood. Ionized calcium in the blood of infants is most often elevated as a result of genetic abnormalities.

Drug reduction of calcium levels

It is possible to begin a profile reduction in the level of calcium in the blood only if its excess is confirmed by appropriate studies in the clinic. Under no circumstances should hypercalcemia diagnosed solely by symptoms be treated. This approach will not only fail to produce results, but can also cause complications of existing problems.

It is possible to reduce the level of calcium in the body if the root cause of its increase is known. By eliminating it and removing excess substances from the body, a person will be able to return to their usual standard of living. In the vast majority of cases, hypercalcemia is eliminated with the help of ordinary medications. The list of mandatory medications is determined only by a professional doctor, who bases his choice on the examinations performed by the patient.

As a rule, the medication course is based on taking:

• Medicines that can eliminate the root cause of elevated calcium levels in the blood (hormonal, cardiovascular and other types of medications).
• Diuretics that accelerate the removal of excess minerals from the body.

Medicines from the diuretic group should not be potent, since the advisability of taking them is usually low. Strong diuretics are used only as prescribed by a doctor and if the patient does not have kidney or heart problems.

Note! The treatment tactics for hypercalcemia discussed above are used in cases where an increase in free calcium in the blood is observed in the range of up to 2.9 mmol per liter. If the mineral level is more than 3 mmol per liter, the patient must be hospitalized and monitored in a hospital. Otherwise, the risks of developing the most dangerous complications are high.

Traditional medicine for hypercalcemia

Folk remedies for hypercalcemia cannot act as the basis of therapy, since even the most effective of them are simply not able to compete with medications in terms of effect. Considering this, traditional medicine methods should be used exclusively as an aid to the main course of therapy.

It is primarily important to take care of the three basics of treating hypercalcemia, namely:

1. Consuming large amounts of water during the period of getting rid of excess calcium in the body. The main requirement is low water hardness, since if it is high, the mineral will only enter the body, but not be excreted. It is better not to drink tap water in its pure form. The optimal solution is tested purchased water or purified water with a filter. To enhance the effectiveness of the main course of medication, it is enough to drink 2 to 3 liters of water daily.
2. Nutrition correction, which consists in excluding calcium-rich foods from the diet. Such an adjustment is required only during the treatment of hypercalcemia. You can find out about the mineral content of a specific food in special food reference books. At a minimum, you should not overuse dairy products, herbs and cheeses.
3. Stabilization of hormonal levels through systematic physical activity, giving up bad habits and normalizing sleep. There is probably no need to talk about the importance of a correct lifestyle during the period of treatment of the disease. Everything here is very clear.

As for specific folk remedies, diuretic decoctions will be most effective in case of excess. There is no need to abuse such medications, especially when taking diuretics systematically. The normal dosage of decoctions, which enhances the effect of the drugs, is equal to a third of a glass of the finished product 2-3 times a day.

More information about the microelement and its functions can be found in the video:

Decoctions made from:

• rose hips (2-3 tablespoons per 1 liter of water)
• peppermint and lingonberries (4 tablespoons of plants per 1 liter of water)
• bearberry herbs and fennel seeds (2.5 tablespoons of plants per 1 liter of water)

You should not add nettle leaves, parsley and similar greens to the mentioned herbs, as they contain calcium in larger quantities and neutralize the effect of taking ready-made decoctions.

Perhaps on this note, the most important information on the treatment of hypercalcemia has come to an end. As you can see, normalizing elevated calcium in the blood is not so difficult. The main thing is a competent approach and timely organized treatment. We hope that the material presented was useful to you and provided answers to your questions. Good health to you and successful treatment of all diseases!

About the importance of using

Getting enough dairy, legumes and grains to grow up healthy is something we've heard from early childhood.

The calcium contained in these products is necessary for the normal growth of skeletal bones, the functioning of muscles, nerves, and normal blood clotting. Almost all calcium obtained from food is absorbed in the intestines and accumulates in the bones. But part of the mineral, the amount of which is clearly regulated by the body, enters the blood to nourish the muscles, including the heart, and maintain the conductivity of the nerves.

Increased calcium content

in the body - this is the same sign of trouble in some organs, as is a decrease in its level. A deviation is revealed, which can indicate dangerous pathologies, only when tests are taken.

The level of calcium in the blood, which is used to determine many diseases, changes with age. In newborns it can be 1.90–2.60 mmol/l. After the first 10 days of life, the normal level is already 2.20 – 2.75 mmol/l. During adolescence

this figure should be in the range of 2.20 – 2.50 mmol/l, in women these figures remain until old age, in men the norm varies from 2.10 –2.55 in adulthood to 2.20-2.50 mmol/ l after 60 years.
If measurements are carried out in milligrams
, then their content in 100 milliliters multiplied by 0.45 will be equal to the number of mmol/l (mg/100ml X 0.45 = mmol/l).

A reduced level means a lack of calcium or vitamin D entering the body, without which absorption is impossible, or a violation of the absorption of substances.

There are standards for ionized calcium - on average it should be 1.05 - 1.37 mmol/l for all ages

.

Various forms of parathyroidism

Idiopathic pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHPT) is the insensitivity of target organs to parathyroid hormone.

Pseudohypohyperparathyroidism is characterized by renal cells' insensitivity to parathyroid hormone. In this case, the formation of a bone form of hyperparathyroidism occurs, but calcium in the blood is reduced, not increased.

There is also pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism. The syndrome is genetic and is caused by damage to the parathyroid hormone molecule. Other causes of hypocalcemia

A decrease in calcium in the blood may be due to increased albumin levels and alkalosis.

In chronic renal failure, there is an increased loss of calcium in the urine due to impaired reabsorption in the kidneys, which leads to a decrease in calcium in the blood.

A decrease in calcium during rhabdomyolysis and pancreatitis occurs due to an increase in chelate compounds in areas of destruction of fat and muscle tissue, due to an increase in phosphorus and potassium in the blood. These conditions lead to accelerated excretion of calcium from the body. Patients with this pathology also suffer from dysfunction of the kidneys, endocrine and digestive systems. Hypocalcemia caused by drugs or medical interventions is called iatrogenic.

When are additional research methods required?

It is imperative to determine the degree of activity of calcium ions, provided that its level in the blood is reduced or increased, and the symptoms of these disorders develop. Ionized calcium levels are measured at pH = 7.40.

You can also measure the calcium content in urine, which will determine the amount of the trace element excreted by the kidneys. This study is carried out when there are changes in the concentration of calcium in the blood.

Author of the article:

Shutov Maxim Evgenievich | Hematologist Education: Graduated from Kursk State Medical University in 2013 and received a diploma in General Medicine. After 2 years, he completed his residency in the specialty “Oncology”. In 2020, she completed postgraduate studies at the National Medical and Surgical Center named after N. I. Pirogov. Our authors

How to donate blood for calcium?

To get an accurate result in a biochemical analysis for Ca, follow these recommendations:

1. Donate blood in the morning. It is better to do this on an empty stomach; you can drink water.
2. The day before the test, avoid fried, smoked foods and alcoholic beverages.
3. Avoid excessive physical activity, such as exercise, the day before you donate blood.

In women during pregnancy and lactation, Ca levels in the blood change (usually they decrease). This should be taken into account when taking the analysis.

1-2 weeks before donating blood, you should stop taking the following medications:

• Antacids;
• Vitamin D;
• Tamoxifen;
• Hormonal drugs;
• Gentamicin;
• Anticonvulsants;
• Corticosteroids;
• Laxatives.

The following factors may also affect the result of the analysis:

1. Dehydration. Leads to an overestimation of mineral levels.
2. Hemodilution (an increase in the amount of plasma due to excess water) leads to falsely low results.
3. Hyperalbuminemia. Excess proteins cause more calcium to bind, which will be visible in the test results.

Calcium is an essential macronutrient that forms the basis of the musculoskeletal system of our body and performs a number of other vital functions. By maintaining its level within normal limits, you can ensure the normal functioning of all body systems. By taking a blood calcium test in time, you can prevent the development of life-threatening complications.

Norm: table

In women and men, blood calcium levels depend on age. For pregnant women, a normal level of calcium in the blood is a guarantee of a good birth and the birth of a healthy baby. If the level is lowered, labor activity is reduced. There is an increased risk of bleeding because the blood does not clot well.

In infants born to women with calcium deficiency, the likelihood of pathologies is high. The following deviations are often recorded:

• rickets;
• weight dynamics are not normal;
• developmental delay;
• Teeth cut later than other babies.

It is dangerous if calcium in a pregnant woman’s blood is higher than normal. It’s bad for the expectant mother and baby. Childbirth can be difficult due to increased bone density, and injuries are possible. Over time, osteoporosis, cholelithiasis, and hormonal balance may develop.