Hypercalcemia

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing parathyroid glands Parathyroid glands

Hypercalcemia is a condition in which the calcium level in your blood is above normal. You need calcium for bone formation. It also plays an important role in contracting muscles, releasing hormones, and ensuring that your nerves and brain function properly. High calcium levels, however, can interfere with these processes.

The main cause of hypercalcemia is overactivity in one or more of your parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium. Post-menopausal women are most likely to develop hypercalcemia caused by overactive parathyroid glands. Other causes of hypercalcemia include cancer, certain other medical disorders, some medications, and excessive use of calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia may range from nonexistent to severe. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Symptoms
References
  1. Disorders of calcium concentration. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec12/ch156/ch156g.html. Accessed April 11, 2009.
  2. Agus ZS. Etiology of hypercalcemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 10, 2009.
  3. Hypercalcemia (PDQ) health professional version. National Cancer Institute. Accessed April 11, 2009.
  4. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Calcium. Office of Dietary Supplements http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/calcium.asp. Accessed March 8, 2009.
  5. Carroll MF. A practical approach to hypercalcemia. American Family Physician. 2003; 67: 1959.
  6. Bergson EJ. Sestamibi scans and intraoperative parathyroid hormone measurement in the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism. Archives of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. 2004; 130:87.
  7. Hyperparathyroidism. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/hyper/hyper.htm. Accessed April 14, 2009.
  8. Agus ZS. Treatment of hypercalcemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 10, 2009.
  9. Nippoldt, TB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Rochester, Minn. April 20, 2009.

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May 29, 2009

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