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Symptoms of Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia is defined as an ionized or regular blood calcium concentration greater than the laboratory range. Regardless of the cause the symptoms of hypercalcemia are the same. The symptoms are variable and range from few if any symptoms all the way to confusion and coma. The higher the calcium level the more symptoms may occur, and the type of symptoms depend on the organ system affected.
Neurologic
Anxiety, depression, confusion, coma
Gastrointestinal
Constipation, weight loss, nausea, stomach ulcers
Kidney
Increased urination, kidney stones, poor kidney function
Cardiovascular
Hypertension
Skeletal
Weakness, bone pain
Causes of Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia is either caused by parathyroid hormone dependent or parathyroid independent conditions. Here is a list of conditions that can cause high calcium levels. 90% of the causes of hypercalcemia are either due to hyperparathyroidism or hypercalcemia due to certain types of malignancies. The treatment for hypercalcemia depends on the exact cause and so the diagnostic approach is very important. Each condition below has very different treatment approaches. Your endocrinologist will perform the proper workup to diagnose the correct condition.
PTH Independent
Hypercalcemia of malignancy
Vitamin D excess ingestion
Sarcoidosis
Certain prescribed medications
Pheochromocytoma
Immobilization
Adrenal insufficiency
Excess calcium intake
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