Excessive Calcium in the Human Body

Excessive calcium in the human body is called hypercalcemia. The body maintains levels of electrically charged minerals called electrolytes within a tight range. Electrolytes are important for distributing fluids in the body, aiding chemical reactions and producing electrical currents. High calcium can be from various illnesses and causes a number of symptoms requiring medical management. It is important to consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment of disease.

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Causes

There are a number of causes of hypercalcemia. Calcium administration, orally or intravenously, can raise the calcium level. Hyperparathyroidism, in which too much parathyroid hormone is produced, can also raise the level of calcium. Another cause are drugs, such as thiazide diuretics, calcium-containing antacids. Immobility raises calcium as the bones weaken and secrete their calcium into the blood. Other bone problems such as Paget's disease can also raise the level of calcium. It can also occur from hormone imbalances causing acromegaly, or gigantism, or Addison's disease, a problem of the adrenal glands. Cancers, excessive vitamin A or D, and an immune condition called sarcoidosis can all increase calcium levels in the blood.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hypercalcemia can include constipation, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, weakness, fatigue, depression, confusion, increased urination, headache, kidney stones, abnormal heart rhythms and bone pain. Very high levels can lead to coma and death. High blood calcium may also increase the reflexes.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of hypercalcemia involves synthesizing information from a medical history, physical exam, laboratory findings and possibly other tests such as imaging or an ECG. A medical history can reveal the symptoms described. A physical exam can reveal underlying causes as well as increased reflexes. Laboratory tests can directly measure the calcium level. A metabolic panel measures the levels of calcium and other electrolytes. Imaging, such as a CT scan, can help if there is a suspicion of a tumor.

Treatment

The treatment of hypercalcemia involves first lowering the levels, then keeping them down in the normal range. Fluid administration helps dilute the calcium. This can be followed by certain diuretics that increase urination; the urine will carry calcium out of the body. Drugs such as calcitonin and bisphosphonates also lower the calcium in the blood. The long-term management involves finding and removing or treating the underlying cause. For example, hyperparathyroidism may be treated by removing some of the parathyroid glands.

References

"Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease"; Vinay Kumar, et al.
"Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Anthony S Fauci, et al.