Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia
A high level of calcium in the blood is hypercalcemia. Calcium is an important mineral that is in almost every part of your body. It makes your teeth and bones strong and healthy. It also helps your body: Make blood clots Keep your heartbeat normal Release hormones Send and get signals between your nerves and brain Make muscles work well Certain health problems can keep the calcium from being absorbed out of the blood. This can make your blood have a higher level of calcium. These are problems like: Trouble with your thyroid, parathyroid, or adrenal glands Certain drugs or diet aids Kidney failure or cancer Infections or inflammatory diseases Being confined to bed for a long time People who have high blood calcium may have some signs or they may have none at all. You may notice: Muscle weakness and twitching Being very tired Not able to have bowel movements Low mood Upset stomach and throwing up Your doctor will work to treat any hidden cause. You may need to have fluids, be given special drugs, or dialysis to help get rid of the calcium in your blood. You may be in the hospital until your levels are back to normal.
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Hypercalcemia Discharge Instructions
About this topic
A high level of calcium in the blood is hypercalcemia. Calcium is an important mineral that is in almost every part of your body. It makes your teeth and bones strong and healthy. It also helps your body: Make blood clots Keep your heartbeat normal Release hormones Send and get signals between your nerves and brain Make muscles work well Certain health problems can keep the calcium from being absorbed out of the blood. This can make your blood have a higher level of calcium. These are problems like: Trouble with your thyroid, parathyroid, or adrenal glands Certain drugs or diet aids Kidney failure or cancer Infections or inflammatory diseases Being confined to bed for a long time People who have high blood calcium may have some signs or they may have none at all. You may notice: Muscle weakness and twitching Being very tired Not able to have bowel movements Low mood Upset stomach and throwing up Your doctor will work to treat any hidden cause. You may need to have fluids, be given special drugs, or dialysis to help get rid of the calcium in your blood. You may be in the hospital until your levels are back to normal.
What drugs may be needed?
Slow bone loss,Replace lost fluids,Prevent the effects of too much vitamin D in your blood
What problems could happen?
Osteoporosis,Bone fractures or cysts,Kidney stones or kidney failure,High blood pressure,Stomach ulcers,Pancreatitis,Too much fluid loss,Low mood,Forgetfulness,Low level of consciousness,Coma
When do I need to call the doctor?
Being very tired,Loss of appetite,Problem when passing urine or blood in urine,Throwing up or loose stools,Too much thirst,Irregular heartbeat,Chest pain,Lightheadedness,Low mood,Confusion
Body systems
Endocrine and Metabolic
What are other common names?
Elevated Calcium,High Calcium
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This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider’s advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.
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