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What is Hypocalcemia
Hypocalcemia is when the level of calcium in a person’s blood is below normal. Calcium is a mineral that is used by the body in many ways. A lack of blood calcium can affect the heart and muscles, make the bones more likely to break, and cause other problems.
What are the causes?
This condition may be caused by:
- Decreased production (hypoparathyroidism) or improper use of parathyroid hormone.
- Problems with the parathyroid glands or surgical removal of these glands.
- Problems with parathyroid function after removal of the thyroid gland.
- Lack (deficiency) of vitamin D or magnesium or both.
- Kidney problems.
Less common causes include:
- Intestinal problems that interfere with nutrient absorption.
- Alcoholism.
- Low levels of a body protein that is called albumin.
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
- Certain medicines.
- Severe infections (sepsis).
- Certain diseases, such as sarcoidosis or hemochromatosis, that cause the parathyroid glands to be filled with cells or substances that are not normally present.
- Breakdown of large amounts of muscle fiber.
- High levels of phosphate in the body.
- Cancer.
- Massive blood transfusions, which usually occur with severe trauma.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition include:
- Numbness and tingling in the fingers, toes, or around the mouth.
- Muscle aches or cramps, especially in the legs, feet, and back.
- Muscle twitches.
- Abdominal cramping or pain.
- Memory problems, confusion, or difficulty thinking.
- Depression, anxiety, irritability, or changes in personality.
- Fainting.
- Chest pain.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Changes in the sound of the voice.
- Shortness of breath or wheezing.
- General weakness and fatigue.
Symptoms of severe hypocalcemia include:
- Shaking uncontrollably (seizures).
- Seizure of the voice box (laryngospasm).
- Fast heartbeats (palpitations) and abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
Long-term symptoms of this condition include:
- Coarse, brittle hair and nails.
- Dry skin or lasting (chronic) skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema,, or dermatitis).
- Clouding of the eye lens (cataracts).
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is usually diagnosed with a blood test. You may also have other tests to help determine the underlying cause of the condition. For example, a test may be done that records the electrical activity of the heart (electrocardiogram,or ECG).
How is this treated?
Treatment for this condition may include:
- Calcium given by mouth (orally) or given through an IV tube that is inserted into one of your veins. The method used for giving calcium will depend on the severity of the condition.
- Other minerals (electrolytes), such as magnesium.
Other treatment will depend on the cause of the condition.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Follow diet instructions from your health care provider or dietitian.
- Take supplements only as told by your health care provider.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
- You have increased fatigue.
- You have increased muscle twitching.
- You have new swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs.
- You develop changes in mood, memory, or personality.
Get help right away if:
- You have chest pain.
- You have persistent rapid or irregular heartbeats.
- You have difficulty breathing.
- You faint.
- You start to have seizures.
- You have confusion.