Excess Calcium (Hypercalcemia) – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment Methods
Calcium is one of the key minerals most often associated with strong bones and healthy teeth. Maintaining adequate calcium levels is essential for proper functioning of the body, including the nervous and muscular systems. However, sometimes blood calcium levels become too high, leading to hypercalcemia—a mineral balance disorder that can have serious health consequences. What causes this condition, what are its symptoms, and what should you do if your calcium level is elevated? Can hypercalcemia be prevented?
Table of Contents
What Is Hypercalcemia?
Calcium is a vital building block of bones, teeth, and cartilage. Inside cells, it acts as a “second messenger.” In addition to forming bone tissue, calcium plays a role in muscle contraction (including the heart), nerve impulse transmission, blood clotting, and hormone regulation. Normal blood calcium levels range from 2.1 to 2.6 mmol/L.
While calcium is essential to human health, excessive levels can disrupt metabolism and cause significant health problems. When calcium concentration in the blood exceeds 2.6 mmol/L, the condition is called hypercalcemia. If left undetected or untreated, this mineral imbalance can be life-threatening.
The severity of hypercalcemia determines the symptoms. Mild elevations may go unnoticed, while higher levels can trigger fatigue, loss of appetite, confusion, nausea, and vomiting. People who consume large amounts of dairy or take calcium supplements should be particularly cautious and monitor their bodies for warning signs.
Excess Calcium – Causes
The most common cause of hypercalcemia is endocrine disorders, especially primary hyperparathyroidism. This occurs when an abnormal parathyroid gland produces excessive parathyroid hormone (PTH) that is not suppressed by high calcium levels. Elevated PTH pulls calcium from bones into the bloodstream. Less commonly, hypercalcemia occurs in patients with hyperthyroidism or adrenal insufficiency.
The second leading cause is cancer, including lung, breast, kidney cancer, and multiple myeloma (malignancy-associated hypercalcemia). Mechanisms vary—tumor metastases often destroy bone, releasing calcium, and certain blood cancers (like lymphomas) can increase intestinal calcium absorption.
Other causes include medications (thiazide diuretics, lithium, vitamin A or D), vitamin D deficiency, chronic diseases such as sarcoidosis or kidney failure, and prolonged immobilization.
Symptoms of Elevated Blood Calcium
Symptoms depend on the degree of elevation. Mild hypercalcemia may cause no noticeable issues and is often found incidentally during routine tests. With more significant increases, symptoms may include:
- nausea, vomiting,
- constipation,
- increased thirst,
- kidney stones,
- loss of appetite,
- frequent urination,
- poor concentration,
- general muscle weakness,
- high blood pressure.
Hypercalcemia can also impair kidney function, trigger acute pancreatitis, cause peptic ulcers, and interfere with absorption of minerals such as iron and zinc.
Skin-Related Symptoms
Excess calcium can also affect the skin, leading to dryness, itching, and flaking. In chronic cases, calcium deposits may form in the skin and subcutaneous tissue, appearing as nodules, plaques, or lumps. Hypercalcemia may also exacerbate pre-existing skin conditions.
Side Effects of Excess Calcium
High calcium levels can adversely affect multiple organs and systems. Untreated hypercalcemia is especially dangerous, as it can cause osteoporosis, heart rhythm disturbances, and kidney failure.
When levels exceed 3.75 mmol/L, a hypercalcemic crisis may occur—a life-threatening emergency marked by severe weakness, fever, and extreme dehydration. Neurological symptoms such as confusion, disorientation, and reduced consciousness are common. Without prompt treatment, this can progress to coma and cardiac arrest due to arrhythmias.
Diagnosis of Hypercalcemia
Diagnosis begins with measuring blood calcium levels, including both ionized and total calcium. Further tests may assess PTH, magnesium, phosphorus, creatinine, and vitamin D levels.
Imaging studies such as parathyroid scintigraphy or kidney ultrasound may also be used in evaluation.
Recommended vitamins and minerals
Treatment of Hypercalcemia
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity. Mild cases may be managed by discontinuing calcium-raising drugs or supplements (for example, stopping vitamin D if excessive). In some cases, treating the root cause is necessary, such as surgery for parathyroid adenoma, managing cancer, or addressing hyperparathyroidism.
In addition to a low-calcium diet, symptomatic management may include:
- hydration (oral or intravenous),
- diuretics (e.g., furosemide),
- drugs that reduce calcium release from bone (calcitonin, bisphosphonates),
In severe cases, especially with kidney failure, dialysis may be required.
Preventing Hypercalcemia
To maintain proper mineral balance and prevent hypercalcemia, it’s essential to control risk factors and monitor calcium levels regularly.
Avoid excessive calcium and vitamin D intake, and limit calcium-rich foods if you have chronic illnesses or a predisposition to hypercalcemia. Monitoring parathyroid and thyroid function is also important, particularly in those with symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
A healthy, balanced diet and regular physical activity are key to keeping calcium levels within a normal range.
Calcium – Friend or Threat?
Calcium is undeniably essential for overall health. Beyond building and maintaining bones and teeth, it supports blood clotting and hormone regulation. While deficiency is often discussed, excessive calcium can be equally harmful.
Too much calcium disrupts organ function and may cause life-threatening complications such as kidney disease, arrhythmias, and pancreatitis. This is why it’s so important not to ignore symptoms and to maintain optimal blood calcium levels, especially in older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and those taking supplements.
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