Hypercalcaemia

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Hypercalcaemia
Synonyms	Hypercalcemia
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, confusion, fatigue
Complications	Kidney stones, osteoporosis, cardiac arrhythmias, renal failure
Onset	Can be acute or chronic
Duration	Varies depending on cause
Types	N/A
Causes	Hyperparathyroidism, cancer, sarcoidosis, vitamin D intoxication, medications
Risks	Dehydration, immobility, family history
Diagnosis	Blood test showing elevated calcium levels
Differential diagnosis	Hyperthyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, multiple myeloma
Prevention	Adequate hydration, monitoring in at-risk individuals
Treatment	IV fluids, bisphosphonates, calcitonin, dialysis
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Depends on underlying cause and treatment
Frequency	Common in hospitalized patients
Deaths	N/A

Osborn wave

Hypercalcaemia

Hypercalcaemia is a condition characterized by an abnormally high level of calcium in the blood. It is most commonly a result of overactive parathyroid glands. Other causes include cancer, certain medications, and excessive intake of vitamin D or calcium.

Causes

Hypercalcaemia can be caused by various conditions, including:

• Hyperparathyroidism: This is the most common cause of hypercalcaemia. The parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone, which leads to increased levels of calcium in the blood.
• Cancer: Certain types of cancer can cause hypercalcaemia, including lung cancer, breast cancer, and multiple myeloma.
• Medications: Some medications can cause hypercalcaemia, such as lithium and certain diuretics.
• Vitamin D or calcium overdose: Consuming excessive amounts of vitamin D or calcium can lead to hypercalcaemia.

Symptoms

The symptoms of hypercalcaemia can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They may include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Excessive thirst and frequent urination
• Confusion or memory loss
• Muscle weakness
• Bone pain

Diagnosis

Hypercalcaemia is typically diagnosed through a blood test that measures the level of calcium in the blood. Additional tests may be performed to determine the underlying cause of the condition.

Treatment

Treatment for hypercalcaemia depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. It may include:

• Intravenous fluids: This can help to lower calcium levels and prevent dehydration.
• Medications: Certain medications can help to lower calcium levels, such as bisphosphonates and calcitonin.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the overactive parathyroid glands.

See also

• Hypocalcaemia
• Parathyroid gland
• Vitamin D
• Calcium

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