Dear Dr. Sangani:
What will make or cause someone to have high calcium and what are the dangers. P.S. Where is your office located?
_ High Calcium
Dear High Calcium:
Thank you for asking the question. My office address is printed in any telephone book, but I want you to know that my practice is limited to cardiology. These articles are basically a community service, but we will be glad to refer you to a specialist if you call the office.
Now, let us turn our attention to the real question. Let’s start by reviewing what calcium does in our bodies.
Calcium is important for many bodily functions including bone formation, muscle contraction, heart function, brain function, digestive tract and the release of hormones.
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D regulate calcium balance in the body. PTH is produced by the parathyroid glands which are located in the neck behind the thyroid gland.
Vitamin D is obtained from sun exposure or from dietary sources such as dairy products, egg yolks, fish and fortified cereals. Hypercalcemia is an excessive amount of calcium in the blood.
Q: What are the causes of hypercalcemia?
A: Although there are many causes of hypercalcemia, the most common cause is too much parathyroid hormone (PTH), termed primary hyperparathyroidism.
High PTH causes the excess of calcium termed benign hypercalcemia. Blood calcium can also be high despite low levels of PTH; however, certain malignancies such as lung and breast cancer may cause that.
Certain drugs such as lithium may cause hypercalcemia. Excess vitamin D from diet or herbal supplements may cause hypercalcemia. Other causes include thyroid disorders, prolonged immobilization, and the ingestion of massive amounts of calcium such as the excessive use of Tums.
Q: What are symptoms I might experience with hypercalcemia?
A: Skeletal system symptoms may include bone pain, loss of height, spinal column curvature, fractures, weakness, muscle twitches and decrease in muscle mass. You may also have memory loss, depression, irritability or signs of dementia. Your digestive system may signal decreased appetite, nausea and vomiting.
A: What tests will I need to determine the cause of my hypercalcemia?
Q: Your doctor will order certain lab tests to evaluate the cause of your hypercalcemia. You should have your calcium level test repeated to be sure it is really elevated. If malignant tumors are suspected, a chest X-ray and other diagnostic studies may be ordered to look for a tumor. Bone films also may be ordered.
Q: Are there any treatment options for hypercal- cemia?
A: Treatment is directed at the underlying cause of hypercalcemia. When hypercalcemia is mild and not caused by a malignancy, then patients may be followed closely by their doctor over time. Severe hypercalcemia with symptoms may require hospitalization.
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Submit questions to Dr. Bharat Sangani at [email protected] or 5601 Sound Bluff Road, Ocean Springs, MS 39564. Sangani also would like to hear from physicians interested in contributing to this column.
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