Elevated calcium levels, known as hypercalcemia, occur when there is an unusually high concentration of calcium in the bloodstream. Calcium plays a significant role in various bodily functions, including bone health, nerve signaling, and muscle contraction. When its levels become too high, it can disrupt these processes, making it important to address hypercalcemia for overall health.
Understanding Elevated Calcium Levels
Hypercalcemia signifies an imbalance where the body has an excess of calcium circulating in the blood. This condition can arise from several underlying causes that affect the delicate regulation of calcium.
One common reason is an overactive parathyroid gland, a condition called primary hyperparathyroidism, where small glands in the neck produce too much parathyroid hormone, which then signals bones to release more calcium. Certain types of cancer can also lead to elevated calcium, either by producing substances that mimic parathyroid hormone or by directly affecting bone tissue.
Additionally, consuming excessive amounts of vitamin D, often through supplements, can increase calcium absorption from the digestive tract, contributing to higher blood calcium levels. Some medications, such as lithium or thiazide diuretics, can also influence calcium metabolism and raise its concentration in the blood. Persistently high calcium levels can impact various organ systems, potentially affecting kidney function, bone density, and the electrical activity of the heart.
Dietary and Lifestyle Adjustments
For individuals with elevated calcium levels, particularly in milder instances, certain dietary and lifestyle changes can offer supportive benefits. Maintaining adequate hydration is a fundamental step, as drinking plenty of water helps the kidneys excrete excess calcium more effectively through urine.
Dietary considerations also play a role in managing calcium intake. It can be helpful to reduce consumption of foods that are very rich in calcium, such as certain dairy products and fortified cereals, although complete elimination is typically not necessary. Avoiding calcium and vitamin D supplements is often advised unless specifically recommended by a healthcare provider, as these can directly contribute to higher blood calcium levels.
Engaging in regular, moderate exercise, such as walking or light jogging, also supports bone health and can help maintain calcium balance, though it does not directly lower blood calcium. These adjustments serve as complementary strategies and should always be discussed with a medical professional.
Medical Treatments and Procedures
When dietary and lifestyle adjustments are insufficient, healthcare professionals may employ various medical interventions to lower elevated calcium levels. One immediate approach for significantly high levels involves intravenous fluids, which help dilute the calcium concentration in the blood and promote its excretion through the kidneys. Diuretics, such as furosemide, are sometimes administered alongside fluids to further enhance calcium removal via urine.
Bisphosphonates are a class of medications frequently used to reduce calcium levels by slowing down bone breakdown, thereby limiting the release of calcium from bones into the bloodstream. Calcitonin, a hormone, can also be given to quickly, though temporarily, lower calcium by inhibiting bone resorption and increasing kidney excretion.
In cases where inflammation or certain cancers contribute to hypercalcemia, glucocorticoids, like prednisone, may be prescribed to reduce calcium levels. For severe or persistent hypercalcemia, more involved procedures like dialysis, which filters excess calcium from the blood, might be necessary. If an overactive parathyroid gland is identified as the cause, surgical removal of the affected gland, known as parathyroidectomy, can provide a definitive solution.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Recognizing when to seek medical advice for elevated calcium levels is important for timely intervention. Certain symptoms or persistent findings warrant a consultation with a healthcare professional.
These include experiencing severe fatigue, increased thirst, or more frequent urination, which can indicate the kidneys are working harder to process excess calcium. Bone pain, muscle weakness, or confusion are also indicators that necessitate a medical evaluation, as these symptoms can point to the impact of high calcium on bones and the nervous system.
The presence of kidney stones, which can be a complication of chronic hypercalcemia, also requires professional attention. Any persistent high calcium readings from blood tests should prompt a discussion with a doctor. Self-diagnosis and self-treatment are not recommended; a qualified healthcare provider can accurately diagnose the cause of elevated calcium and develop an appropriate treatment plan.