What is Hypercalcemia

Hypercalcemia is having too much calcium in the blood. The body needs calcium to make bones and keep them strong. Calcium also helps the muscles, nerves, brain, and heart work the way they should.

Most of the calcium in the body is in the bones. There is also some calcium in the blood. Hypercalcemia can happen when calcium comes out of the bones, or when the kidneys are not able to remove calcium from the blood. Hypercalcemia can be mild or severe.

What are the causes?

There are many possible causes of hypercalcemia. Common causes include:

• Hyperparathyroidism. This is a condition in which the body produces too much parathyroid hormone. There are four parathyroid glands in your neck. These glands produce a chemical messenger (hormone) that helps the body absorb calcium from foods and helps your bones release calcium.
• Certain kinds of cancer, such as lung cancer, breast cancer, or myeloma.

Less common causes of hypercalcemia include:

• Getting too much calcium or vitamin D from your diet.
• Kidney failure.
• Hyperthyroidism.
• Being on bed rest for a long time.
• Certain medicines.
• Infections.
• Sarcoidosis.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in:

• Women.
• People who are 60 years or older.
• People who have a family history of hypercalcemia.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Mild hypercalcemia that starts slowly may not cause symptoms. Severe, sudden hypercalcemia is more likely to cause symptoms, such as:

• Loss of appetite.
• Increased thirst and frequent urination.
• Fatigue.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Headache.
• Abdominal pain.
• Muscle pain, twitching, or weakness.
• Constipation.
• Blood in the urine.
• Pain in the side of the back (flank pain).
• Anxiety, confusion, or depression.
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
• Loss of consciousness.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

• Your symptoms.
• Blood tests.
• Urine tests.
• X-rays.
• Ultrasound.
• MRI.
• CT scan.

How is this treated?

Treatment for hypercalcemia depends on the cause. Treatment may include:

• Receiving fluids through an IV tube.
• Medicines that keep calcium levels steady after receiving fluids (loop diuretics).
• Medicines that keep calcium in your bones (bisphosphonates).
• Medicines that lower the calcium level in your blood.
• Surgery to remove overactive parathyroid glands.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
• Stay active. Weight-bearing exercise helps to keep calcium in your bones. Follow instructions from your health care provider about what type and level of exercise is safe for you.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have a fever.
• You have flank or abdominal pain that is getting worse.

Get help right away if:

• You have severe abdominal or flank pain.
• You have chest pain.
• You have trouble breathing.
• You become very confused and sleepy.
• You lose consciousness.