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What happens when calcium levels go higher in your blood?
You’ll usually find out that you have hypercalcemia through a blood test. If you don’t get it treated, high levels of calcium in your blood can lead to bone loss, kidney stones, kidney failure, and heart problems.
What stimulates an increase in blood calcium levels?
The parathyroid hormone (PTH), secreted by the parathyroid glands, is responsible for regulating blood calcium levels; it is released whenever blood calcium levels are low. PTH increases blood calcium levels by stimulating osteoclasts, which break down bone to release calcium into the blood stream.
What is the most common cause of high calcium levels?
Hypercalcemia is usually a result of overactive parathyroid glands. These four tiny glands are situated in the neck, near the thyroid gland. Other causes of hypercalcemia include cancer, certain other medical disorders, some medications, and taking too much of calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Why would my calcium be high?
How do you fix high calcium levels?
In some cases, your doctor might recommend:
- Calcitonin (Miacalcin). This hormone from salmon controls calcium levels in the blood.
- Calcimimetics. This type of drug can help control overactive parathyroid glands.
- Bisphosphonates.
- Denosumab (Prolia, Xgeva).
- Prednisone.
- IV fluids and diuretics.
What does elevated calcium level in blood mean?
A calcium blood test measures how much calcium is in your blood. Your healthcare provider can use this test to help diagnose and watch many conditions. There are two types of calcium blood tests. One is total calcium and the other is ionized calcium. Ionized calcium measures the “free” calcium in your blood.
What are the reasons for elevated calcium level?
One of the most common causes of high calcium levels (hypercalcemia), is an overproduction of parathyroid hormone, or hyperparathyroidism. Hyperparathyroidism tends to be more common in women over 50. It can be the result of all four parathyroid glands producing too much PTH (parathyroid hyperplasia),…
What are the symptoms of elevated calcium levels?
Causes Of High Calcium Levels In Blood. An overactive parathyroid gland is the most common cause of high calcium in blood.