Calcium, a mineral abundant in the human body, plays a diverse role beyond strong bones and teeth. It is essential for the proper function of nerves, allowing communication throughout the nervous system. Calcium also supports muscle contraction, enabling movement and maintaining heart rhythm. Furthermore, this mineral contributes to blood clotting processes, demonstrating its broad involvement in maintaining overall physiological balance.
Understanding Elevated Calcium Levels
A healthy adult typically maintains blood calcium levels within a specific range, typically between 8.5 and 10.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). When calcium in the blood surpasses this upper limit, the condition is known as hypercalcemia. A calcium level of 10.7 mg/dL is indeed considered elevated, as it falls above the typical normal range. While this level is elevated, the degree of its impact can vary significantly among individuals.
Adverse effects from an elevated calcium level depend on several factors. These include how quickly the calcium level rose, the duration of the elevation, and the presence of any underlying health conditions. Some individuals with mild elevations might not experience noticeable symptoms, while others could begin to show signs of imbalance. Therefore, a single elevated reading warrants further investigation rather than immediate alarm.
Recognizing Symptoms of High Calcium
Elevated calcium levels can manifest in various ways. Symptoms include fatigue or weakness. Digestive issues like diminished appetite, nausea, vomiting, or constipation may occur.
Kidneys may show strain, leading to increased thirst and frequent urination as they process excess calcium. Neurological effects include confusion, difficulty concentrating, or unease. High calcium can also impact the musculoskeletal system, causing muscle aches, weakness, or bone pain.
Common Causes of Elevated Calcium
Primary hyperparathyroidism, an overactivity of the parathyroid glands, is the most frequent cause of elevated calcium. These four tiny glands in the neck regulate calcium balance by producing parathyroid hormone (PTH). If one or more glands enlarge or develop a benign growth, they produce excessive PTH, increasing blood calcium.
Certain cancers are another significant cause of elevated calcium. Cancers like lung, breast, multiple myeloma, or lymphoma can produce PTH-like substances or spread to bones, releasing calcium into the bloodstream. This type of hypercalcemia can appear suddenly and be more severe.
Other factors contributing to elevated calcium include medications like lithium and certain thiazide diuretics. Excessive vitamin D intake, often from supplements, can increase calcium absorption and blood levels. Less common causes include diseases like sarcoidosis or tuberculosis (boosting vitamin D activity), or prolonged immobility (leaching calcium from bones).
Steps After a High Calcium Result
An elevated calcium result like 10.7 mg/dL warrants consultation with a healthcare professional. Initial steps typically involve reconfirming the calcium level with a repeat blood test, especially if dehydration or specific dietary intake occurred before the first test. This helps rule out temporary fluctuations or laboratory errors.
If elevated calcium persists, further diagnostic tests will identify the underlying cause. These may include blood tests for parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D levels, providing insights into gland function and vitamin D status. A 24-hour urine collection may also assess how kidneys process calcium. Imaging studies of bones or kidneys may be performed to check for related changes or complications, such as kidney stones. Management and treatment strategies are then tailored based on the identified cause and severity of the calcium elevation.