A medical disorder called hypercalcemia is characterized by high blood calcium levels. This extra calcium can cause a number of
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A medical disorder called hypercalcemia is characterized by high blood calcium levels. This extra calcium can cause a number of symptoms and consequences that impact the body's organ systems. Numerous physiological activities, including muscular contraction, neuron function, and bone health, depend on calcium. Nevertheless, excessive calcium levels impair regular physiological processes. Primary hyperparathyroidism, a disorder in which the parathyroid glands overproduce parathyroid hormone (PTH) and raise blood calcium levels, is the most prevalent cause of hypercalcemia.Hypercalcemia can present with a wide range of symptoms, such as: Symptoms related to the digestive system can vary in severity, ranging from minor vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain to more serious issues including peptic ulcers, constipation, and appetite loss. Renal Symptoms: High calcium levels can result in kidney stones, which can cause severe flank or back discomfort, hematuria (blood in the urine), and frequent urination. Neurological Symptoms: Hypercalcemia can have an impact on the nervous system, which can result in agitation, depression, irritability, disorientation, and in extreme situations, coma. Musculoskeletal Symptoms: Patients may suffer from bone pain, exhaustion, muscle weakness, and fractures as a result of weaker bones (osteoporosis) brought on by an overabundance of calcium. Cardiovascular Symptoms: Hypercalcemia may rarely have an impact on the heart, leading to hypertension, arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), and an elevated risk of a heart attack.Blood tests to detect calcium levels, as well as diagnostic procedures like PTH levels, kidney function tests, and imaging examinations like X-rays or CT scans to search for abnormalities in the bones or organs, are used in the diagnosis of hypercalcemia. The degree and underlying cause of hypercalcemia determine how it should be treated. In moderate situations, the body may be treated with more fluids and drugs to aid in the excretion of extra calcium. In more severe situations, hospitalization and IV fluids might be necessary. Bisphosphonate medicines can also be used to lower calcium levels and block bone resorption. In cases of primary hyperparathyroidism, surgery may be necessary to remove aberrant parathyroid glands.To sum up, hypercalcemia is a disorder marked by high blood calcium levels. It can cause a variety of symptoms that include the neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, renal, and gastrointestinal systems. Timely diagnosis and suitable treatment are crucial in averting problems and enhancing patient results.
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