About Elevated Calcium Levels (Hypercalcemia)
Learn about the disease, illness and/or condition Elevated Calcium Levels (Hypercalcemia) including: symptoms, causes, treatments, contraindications and conditions at ClusterMed.info.
Elevated Calcium Levels (Hypercalcemia)
Elevated Calcium Levels (Hypercalcemia) |
---|
Elevated Calcium Levels (Hypercalcemia) InformationHypercalcemia facts
Hypercalcemia IntroductionCalcium is a mineral that is important in the regulation and processes of many body functions including bone formation, hormone release, muscle contraction, and nerve and brain function. Hypercalcemia is the term that refers to elevated levels of calcium in the bloodstream. Regulation of Calcium Calcium levels are tightly regulated in the body. Calcium regulation is primarily controlled by parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, and calcitonin.
Can hypercalcemia be prevented?Hypercalcemia cannot be prevented, but early detection can both allow for normalization of calcium levels and lead to an early work-up to define the cause. If there is a known family history of hypercalcemia or hyperparathyroidism, it is worth mentioning this to the health care practitioner; together the patient and health care practitioner can determine if screening is warranted. How is hypercalcemia diagnosed?Hypercalcemia is easily diagnosed with a blood test. Diagnosing the causes of hypercalcemia, however, is a more involved process; in addition to a detailed history and physical examination, it may require further blood tests (such as a PTH level and vitamin D level), urine evaluation, X-rays, and other imaging procedures. How is hypercalcemia treated?The treatment of elevated levels of calcium in the blood involves the evaluation of the following:
What are the causes of hypercalcemia?One of the most common causes of high calcium levels (hypercalcemia), is an overproduction of parathyroid hormone, or hyperparathyroidism.
What are the signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia?In the majority of patients with hypercalcemia, the signs and symptoms are minimal. In general, the symptoms increase with higher levels of calcium in the blood. In severe cases, the elevated calcium levels can cause abnormal heart rhythms with specific findings on electrocardiogram (EKG). Because of the clinical findings that are seen in hypercalcemia, the symptoms are often described as "moans, stones, groans, and bones". Some of the symptoms include the following: Moans (gastrointestinal conditions)
What is the prognosis for hypercalcemia?The results of treatment for hypercalcemia depend on the underlying cause of the condition. If hypercalcemia is seen in the presence of cancer, the average 30-day survival rate is about 50%. The prognosis is excellent for many of the other causes of hypercalcemia provided the underlying cause is addressed and treated. |
More Diseases
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Diseases & Illnesses Definitions Of The Day
- Kidney Function (Creatinine Blood Test) ‐
- Ascending Aorta Dissection (Aortic Dissection) ‐ Aortic dissection facts, Can aortic dissection be prevented? …
- Pain, Cancer (Cancer Pain) ‐ How Else Can Cancer Pain Be Treated?, Introduction, What Are the Symptoms of Cancer Pain? …
- Cavities ‐ How are cavities diagnosed?, How does a cavity form?, Treatment of cavities during pregnancy …
- Felty's Syndrome ‐ Are there home remedies for Felty's syndrome?, Felty's syndrome facts …
- Yeast Infections (Thrush and Other Yeast Infections in Children) ‐ Are there other names for yeast infection?, Can a nursing mother acquire yeast infections from her infant? …
- Adolescents (Teenagers) ‐ What can teens expect during health checkups?, What immunizations do teenagers need? …
- Heat Rash ‐
- Hearing Impairment (Deafness) ‐ What are forms of hearing loss?, What are the symptoms of hearing loss? …
- Fertility Awareness (Trying to Conceive) ‐ Counseling and support groups for help, Taking your temperature to conceive …