Hypercalcemia

Hypercalcemia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Methods

Hypercalcemia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Methods

About the symptom

Hypercalcemia is a condition characterized by elevated levels of calcium in the blood. This symptom can be the result of various diseases, including hyperthyroidism, certain types of cancer, and hyperparathyroidism. The level of calcium in the blood can be above normal due to increased secretion of the parathyroid glands or due to metabolic disorders. The initial manifestations of hypercalcemia may go unnoticed; however, as the condition progresses, patients begin to experience more evident symptoms.

Common symptoms of hypercalcemia include thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, weakness, constipation, and headaches. In advanced cases, there may be arrhythmias, mental disorders, and an increased risk of kidney stone formation. These symptoms can negatively impact the patient’s quality of life and require immediate medical attention. Treatment for hypercalcemia focuses on addressing the underlying cause of elevated calcium levels, so it is important to consult a specialist at the first signs of this condition.

Diseases

Hypercalcemia is a condition in which the level of calcium in the blood exceeds the norm. It is not a separate disease, but a symptom that can occur in various pathological conditions. Many diseases can lead to hypercalcemia, and understanding these conditions is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment. It is important to determine the cause of the elevated calcium, as it may conceal serious diseases that require medical intervention.

Some of the most common diseases that can lead to hypercalcemia include:

  • Primary hyperparathyroidism — excessive production of hormones by the parathyroid glands that regulate calcium in the body.
  • Cancer — malignant neoplasms, especially lung cancer, breast cancer, and multiple myeloma, can cause the release of calcium from the bones.
  • Sarcoidosis — an inflammatory disease that can affect various organs and increase vitamin D levels, leading to increased calcium absorption.
  • Kidney pathologies — kidney damage can cause metabolic disorders and contribute to the development of hypercalcemia.
  • The use of certain medications — certain diuretics and supplements containing vitamin D can also contribute to elevated calcium levels in the blood.

Diagnosis

To successfully identify hypercalcemia and determine its causes, a comprehensive approach to diagnosis is necessary. The main diagnostic method is a blood test for calcium levels, which accurately determines whether its concentration exceeds the norm. Typically, normal total calcium levels in the blood serum range from 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL. If the test results show elevated calcium levels, the doctor may recommend additional studies to establish the cause of hypercalcemia.

In addition to blood tests, other diagnostic methods may also be used. For example, a urine test for calcium content can help determine whether there is excessive loss of calcium through the kidneys or, conversely, its excessive accumulation. In some cases, doctors resort to imaging studies, such as ultrasound or computed tomography, to identify tumors or other pathologies that may contribute to elevated calcium levels. Thus, proper diagnosis is a key step in the management and treatment of hypercalcemia.

  • Blood test for total calcium levels
  • Blood test for ionized calcium levels
  • Urine test for calcium
  • Biochemical blood test
  • Study of parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels
  • CT or MRI to assess organ condition
  • Ultrasound of the thyroid and parathyroid glands

Which doctor to contact

If you suspect hypercalcemia, it is important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Hypercalcemia can be associated with various underlying conditions, and its treatment requires a comprehensive approach. Initially, it is advisable to visit a therapist who can conduct a general examination, assess symptoms, and order necessary tests. Based on the obtained results, the therapist may refer you to specialists if needed.

Additionally, depending on the causes of hypercalcemia, a consultation with an endocrinologist may be necessary, as they deal with diseases of the endocrine glands, particularly the parathyroid glands, which affect calcium levels in the body. In some cases, assistance from a nephrologist may be required if hypercalcemia is related to kidney diseases, or an oncologist if there is a suspicion of malignant diseases that may contribute to increased calcium levels. It is important not to ignore the symptoms and to seek professional help promptly to minimize the risk of complications.

  • Therapist
  • Endocrinologist
  • Nephrologist
  • Oncologist
  • Gastroenterologist

Types of Hypercalcemia

Hypercalcemia is a condition characterized by elevated calcium levels in the blood, and it can be classified into several types depending on the cause and mechanism of development. The main types of hypercalcemia include primary, secondary, and tertiary hypercalcemia. Each of these forms has its own characteristics that require careful consideration for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Primary hypercalcemia is usually associated with excessive production of parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to increased calcium levels. Secondary hypercalcemia arises from diseases that cause vitamin D deficiency or kidney function disorders and can manifest in response to various endocrine and systemic diseases. Tertiary hypercalcemia develops as a result of prolonged secondary hypercalcemia when the parathyroid glands become autonomous and continue to secrete PTH.

  • Primary hypercalcemia
  • Secondary hypercalcemia
  • Tertiary hypercalcemia
  • Although hypercalcemia can also be classified into other, less common forms, such as malignant hypercalcemia and mesgidia, if they arise as a result of a tumor process.

Causes of Hypercalcemia

Hypercalcemia is a condition in which the level of calcium in the blood exceeds normal values. The main causes of hypercalcemia can range from diseases affecting calcium metabolism to certain medications and lifestyle factors. One of the primary causes is hyperparathyroidism, where hypofunction of the parathyroid glands leads to excessive production of hormone that raises calcium levels in the blood. In some cases, hypercalcemia may be caused by malignant tumors that release substances resembling parathyroid hormone, thereby worsening the patient’s condition.

Other common causes of hypercalcemia include kidney diseases that impair the body’s ability to excrete calcium, as well as excess vitamin D, which promotes increased absorption of calcium in the intestines. Certain chronic diseases, such as tuberculosis and sarcoidosis, can also lead to elevated calcium levels in the blood.

  • Hyperparathyroidism
  • Malignant tumors
  • Kidney diseases
  • Excess vitamin D
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Tuberculosis
  • Medications (e.g., lithium)

Common Related Pathologies

Hypercalcemia may be associated with a number of serious diseases that require careful examination and a comprehensive approach to treatment. First and foremost, these are diseases of the parathyroid glands, such as adenoma or hyperplasia, leading to excessive production of parathyroid hormone, which directly affects calcium levels in the blood. Pathologies associated with oncological diseases can also cause hypercalcemia; for example, lung, breast, and kidney cancers can lead to elevated calcium levels by releasing specific substances into the body.

Another common cause of hypercalcemia may be chronic renal failure, when the kidneys fail to perform their functions of regulating calcium levels and excreting it from the body. Diseases associated with hypercalcemia include sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, and hypervitaminosis D, which also disrupt calcium metabolism. Therefore, when hypercalcemia is identified, it is important to conduct a comprehensive examination to identify the underlying cause of this condition.

  • Diseases of the parathyroid glands (adenoma, hyperplasia)
  • Oncological diseases (lung, breast, kidney cancer)
  • Chronic renal failure
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Hypervitaminosis D

Expert Opinion

Hypercalcemia is a serious medical condition that can arise from various diseases and conditions. According to leading endocrinologists, it is important to understand that an elevated calcium level in the blood can be both a symptom and a cause of the development of other pathologies. Under normal circumstances, the level of calcium in the body should remain within the normal range, and any deviation from this requires careful medical analysis.

Experts emphasize that the diagnosis and treatment of hypercalcemia should be conducted comprehensively. It is crucial to identify the underlying cause of the condition, whether it is a tumor, a parathyroid disease, or the accumulation of calcium in the body. This will aid in choosing an effective treatment strategy and minimizing risks to the patient’s health. Continuous monitoring of calcium levels and appropriate lifestyle changes, such as diet and physical activity, play a key role in managing this condition.

Treatment of Hypercalcemia

The treatment of hypercalcemia depends on its cause and the level of calcium in the blood. The main goal of therapy is to normalize calcium levels and prevent possible complications such as organ and system damage. In mild cases, it may be sufficient to change the patient’s diet by limiting the intake of calcium-rich foods. However, in more serious situations, medication may be required, including diuretics, corticosteroids, or bisphosphonates.

If hypercalcemia is caused by malignant tumors, treatment for the underlying oncological disease may be prescribed alongside calcium level correction. It is important to remember that self-treatment in this condition is highly undesirable and may lead to serious consequences. Therefore, it is recommended to seek medical help and not to delay diagnosis and treatment.

  • Diet modification (calcium restriction)
  • Medication therapy (diuretics, corticosteroids)
  • Bisphosphonates
  • Treatment of the underlying disease (e.g., oncology)
  • In severe cases – hemodialysis

Complications

Hypercalcemia is a condition in which the level of calcium in the blood significantly exceeds normal values, which can lead to serious health consequences. One of the most common complications is kidney damage, manifested as nephrocalcinosis, when calcium deposits in the tissues of the kidneys, impairing their normal function and potentially leading to kidney failure. This condition requires immediate intervention from specialists to prevent irreversible consequences.

In addition, hypercalcemia can have a serious impact on the cardiovascular system. Increased calcium levels can lead to arrhythmias and other cardiac rhythm disorders, increasing the risk of thrombosis and even myocardial infarction. Long-term hypercalcemia can also contribute to the development of osteoporosis due to disrupted calcium metabolism in the body, making bones more fragile and prone to fractures.

An important aspect is that if hypercalcemia is not diagnosed and treated promptly, it can lead to nervous system disorders such as depression, confusion, and even coma. The complications arising from this condition underscore the need for regular monitoring of calcium levels in the body and consulting a doctor at the first symptoms.

  • Kidney damage (nephrocalcinosis)
  • Cardiovascular disorders (arrhythmias)
  • Osteoporosis
  • Nervous system disorders (depression, confusion)
  • Risk of thrombosis

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