What Are the Dangers of High Calcium Results From Blood Work?

Calcium is a necessary element for the body to build bones, help regulate muscles and the heart, and process hormones. But having too much calcium in your system can put you at risk for developing hypercalcemia.

Causes

• Overproduction of the parathyroid, excess intake of vitamin D, cancer and certain medications, such as lithium or antacid supplements containing calcium, can all cause high calcium levels.

Monitoring

• Your doctor will suggest regular blood tests to monitor your calcium levels to ensure they don't continue to rise and that they start to return to normal.

Expert Insight

• According to the Mayo Clinic, postmenopausal women are more likely to have elevated calcium levels, due to the possible increased production of parathyroid hormone.

Treatment

• Depending on the severity, high calcium and hypercalcemia might not require any treatment, other than to address the underlying cause of the condition.

Prognosis

• The prognosis is good for people who are promptly diagnosed with elevated calcium levels. Untreated, unchecked high calcium can cause kidney failure, irregular heartbeat and dysfunction of the central nervous system (CNS).