Diseases
hypercalcemia
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Hypercalcemia is a condition in which the calcium level in your blood is above normal. Too much calcium in your blood can weaken your bones, create kidney stones, and interfere with how your heart and brain work.
Symptoms
- excess calcium makes your kidneys work harder to filter it.
- hypercalcemia can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting and constipation.
- the excess calcium in your blood was leached from your bones, which weakens them
- hypercalcemia can interfere with how your brain works, resulting in confusion
- rarely, severe hypercalcemia can interfere with your heart function
Causes
- the bones to release calcium into your blood
- the digestive tract to absorb more calcium
- the kidneys to excrete less calcium and activate more vitamin d
Risk factors
- overactive parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism)
- hereditary factors.
- severe dehydration
Diagnosis
- blood test.
- physical exam.
- imaging tests.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is hypercalcemia?
Hypercalcemia is a condition in which the calcium level in your blood is above normal. Too much calcium in your blood can weaken your bones, create kidney stones, and interfere with how your heart and brain work.
What are the symptoms of hypercalcemia?
excess calcium makes your kidneys work harder to filter it., hypercalcemia can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting and constipation., the excess calcium in your blood was leached from your bones, which weakens them, hypercalcemia can interfere with how your brain works, resulting in confusion, rarely, severe hypercalcemia can interfere with your heart function
What causes hypercalcemia?
the bones to release calcium into your blood; the digestive tract to absorb more calcium; the kidneys to excrete less calcium and activate more vitamin d
Which medicines are used for hypercalcemia?
calcitonin
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