Hypercalcemia: Causes
In hypercalcemia, there is so much calcium in the blood that some metabolic processes may be disturbed. In most cases, the cause is a disease, for example:
- malignant tumors
- Hyperparathyroidism (overactivity of the parathyroid glands)
- Hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism)
- hypofunction of the adrenal cortex
- inherited disorders of calcium excretion
- inherited deficiency of the enzyme phosphatase (hypophosphatasia)
- excess of protein in the blood (hyperproteinemia)
- increased production of growth hormones (acromegaly)
- Sarcoidosis
Some medications can also cause hypercalcemia, such as lithium (used in mental illnesses, among other conditions) and thiazides (dehydrating agents). An overdose of vitamin A or vitamin D supplements can also cause calcium levels to rise excessively.
Occasionally, hypercalcemia is due to prolonged bed rest (immobilization). This is because it leads to increased bone resorption, which releases a lot of calcium into the blood.
In rare cases, critical excess calcium in the blood is due to excessive consumption of calcium-rich foods.
Hypercalcemia: symptoms
A value of more than 3.5 millimoles of calcium per liter of blood can lead to a hypercalcemic crisis. This is life-threatening! Within a short time, those affected develop symptoms such as increased urination (polyuria), an abnormally increased feeling of thirst (polydipsia), dehydration (exsiccosis), fever, vomiting, impaired consciousness and even coma. In the worst case, cardiac arrest occurs.
Hypercalcemia: Therapy
A hypercalcemic crisis is a medical emergency and must be treated as quickly as possible in the hospital!
In the case of mild hypercalcemia without symptoms, it is sometimes sufficient to eat a low-calcium diet and drink plenty of fluids. However, the calcium level in the blood must be checked regularly. If necessary, the doctor will also prescribe medication to combat the hypercalcemia. In addition, the underlying disease must be treated.
