What is Hypercalcemia?

• Problems in digestion : Constipation, nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort can all be brought on by hypercalcemia.
• Muscles and bones : The excess calcium in your blood is typically leached from your bones, weakening them. Both bone pain and muscle weakening may result from this.
• Brain : Confusion, drowsiness, and exhaustion are side effects of hypercalcemia, which can affect how your brain functions. It may also lead to depression.
• Heart : Even though rare, severe hypercalcemia might affect your heart's ability to pump blood, resulting in palpitations, fainting, cardiac arrhythmia, and other heart issues.

Calcium aids in strengthening bones and teeth, contracting muscles and signalling of neurons. When your blood doesn't contain enough calcium, your parathyroid glands release a hormone that can trigger the following:

• Calcium will be released by the bones into the blood.
• Excess calcium absorbtion by your digestive system.
• Vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption, to be more active and your kidneys to excrete less calcium.

Numerous causes have the potential to upset the delicate balance between having too little calcium in your blood and hypercalcemia. Causes of hypercalcemia include

• Excessive parathyroid gland activity (hyperparathyroidism) : The most frequent cause of hypercalcemia is an increase of one or more of the four parathyroid glands or a tiny, noncancerous (benign) tumor.
• Cancer : Your risk of hypercalcemia may increase if you have breast cancer, lung cancer, or some blood malignancies. Your risk is also increased if cancer spreads (metastasizes) to your bones.
• Other illnesses : Some health conditions such as TB and sarcoidosis can cause an increase in vitamin D in the blood levels. This prompts the digestive system to absorb more calcium.
• Inherited traits : Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia is a rare hereditary condition that results in an increase in blood calcium levels due to malfunctioning calcium receptors. Hypercalcemia-related symptoms or consequences are not brought on by this disorder.
• Immobility : Hypercalcemia can occur in people who have a disease that makes them spend a lot of time lying down or sitting still. Over time, calcium is released into the blood from non-weight-bearing bones.
• Dehydration : Dehydration is a frequent contributor to mild or transitory hypercalcemia. The amount of calcium in your blood increases when there is less fluid present.
• Medications : Some medications, including lithium, which is used to treat bipolar disorder, may cause an increase in parathyroid hormone secretion.
• Supplements : Calcium levels in your blood can be elevated above normal by taking excessive calcium or vitamin D supplements over time.

• Osteoporosis : Osteoporosis: You may acquire the bone-thinning condition osteoporosis, which can result in bone fractures, spinal column curvature, and height loss if your bones continue to release calcium into your blood.
• Kidney stones : Kidney stones: Your kidneys may develop crystals if the amount of calcium in your urine is too high. Kidney stones may eventually form when the crystals mix over time. A stone can be very unpleasant to pass.
• Renal failure : Renal failure: Your kidneys may become damaged by severe hypercalcemia, reducing their capacity to purge the blood and eliminate fluid.
• Neurological issues : Severe hypercalcemia can cause coma, dementia, and other potentially lethal symptoms like disorientation.
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) : Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia): The electrical impulses that control your heartbeat can be impacted by hypercalcemia, which can lead to an irregular heartbeat.