What is the danger of having high blood calcium levels?

Hypercalcemia occurs when the calcium level in your blood is above normal. Having too much calcium in your blood can cause several health problems, including:

Kidney stones: High blood calcium levels can increase the risk of developing kidney stones. Calcium can crystallise in the kidneys and form stones that can block the flow of urine.

Bone loss: When blood calcium levels are high, the body pulls calcium from the bones to maintain normal blood levels. This can cause bones to become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures.

Soft tissue calcification: High calcium levels can cause calcium to accumulate in soft tissues, such as the heart, arteries, and kidneys. This can damage the tissues and organs and lead to serious health problems.

Confusion and disorientation: High calcium levels can affect brain function and cause confusion, disorientation, and memory problems.

Nausea and vomiting: High calcium levels can also cause nausea and vomiting.

Muscle weakness and fatigue: High calcium levels can cause muscle weakness and fatigue.

In severe cases, hypercalcemia can be life-threatening.

If you have any of the symptoms of high blood calcium levels, it is important to see your doctor immediately. Treatment for hypercalcemia typically involves intravenous fluids and medications to lower blood calcium levels.

Causes of hypercalcemia

Hypercalcemia can be caused by several underlying conditions, including:

Primary hyperparathyroidism: This is a condition in which the parathyroid glands, which are located near the thyroid gland, produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH regulates calcium levels in the body.

Cancer: Some types of cancer, such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and multiple myeloma, can cause hypercalcemia.

Other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease, vitamin D toxicity, and sarcoidosis, can also lead to hypercalcemia.

Medications: Some medications, such as thiazide diuretics and lithium, can cause hypercalcemia.