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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 to maintain your bones. 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 blood calcium levels. 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. Shane E. Etiology of hypercalcemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 25, 2011.
  2. Shane E. Clinical manifestations of hypercalcemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 25, 2011.
  3. Shane E, et al. Treatment of hypercalcemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 25, 2011.
  4. Disorders of calcium concentration. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec12/ch156/ch156g.html. Accessed Feb. 15, 2011.
  5. Parathyroid surgery. American Association of Endocrine Surgeons. http://www.endocrinesurgery.org/patient_education/index.shtml. Accessed Feb. 15, 2011.
  6. Hypercalcemia (PDQ) health professional version. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/hypercalcemia/HealthProfessional. Accessed Feb. 15, 2011.
  7. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Calcium. Office of Dietary Supplements. http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/calcium.asp. Accessed Feb. 15, 2011.
  8. Hyperparathyroidism. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/hyper/hyper.htm. Accessed Feb. 15, 2011.
DS00976 May 26, 2011

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