CALCIUM IMBALANCE

 Basic information

description

Calcium is a mineral that helps regulate the heartbeat, transmit nerve impulses, and contract muscles. It also helps form bone and teeth. Too much calcium (hypercalcemia) or too little calcium (hypocalcemia) can cause serious medical problems. The problems can sometimes be life-threatening. Most calcium is stored in the bones, but it is also found in the blood and cells.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Too little calcium:
  • Muscle spasms, twitching, or cramping.
  • Arms, hands, legs, and feet may tingle or feel numb.
  • Seizures (convulsion).
  • Heartbeat is irregular.
  • High blood pressure.
• Too much calcium (often produces no symptoms):
  • Feeling tired and sluggish.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and thirst.
  • Heartbeat is irregular.
  • Low blood pressure.
  • Depression; mental changes (confused or delirious).
  • Seizures or coma (in severe cases).

causes

• Too little calcium:
  • Parathyroid glands that are underactive. This can be caused by disease or damage to the parathyroid.
  • Not getting enough calcium and vitamin D.
  • The body doesn't absorb calcium from the stomach.
  • Severe burns or infections.
  • Problems with the pancreas.
  • Kidney failure.
  • Low levels of certain minerals in your blood.
• Too much calcium:
  • Parathyroid gland that is overactive.
  • Broken bones and long periods of bed rest.
  • Cancer of the bone marrow.
  • Tumors that destroy bone.
  • Certain drugs (e.g., thiazide diuretics).

risk increases with

• Too little calcium:
  • Use of certain drugs such as diuretics.
  • Injury, cancer, or surgery of the thyroid or parathyroid glands.
  • Excess alcohol use.
  • Poor nutrition.
• Too much calcium:
  • Diet that is too high in dairy products or excess use of antacids that contain calcium.
  • Kidney disease.
  • Being inactive or confined to bed for long periods.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Eat a normal, well-balanced diet.
• Don't drink alcohol, or limit it to 1 to 2 drinks a day.
• Don't use nonprescription antacids on a regular basis.

expected outcomes

Most cases can be cured in 1 week with treatment.

possible complications

• Heart attack.
• Bones may become weak and break easily.
• Kidney stones from high calcium.
• Ulcer from high calcium.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider may do a physical exam. Medical tests can include blood studies of calcium levels, x-rays of bones, and echocardiogram (a heart study).
• Treatment involves correcting the problem or treating the disorder causing the imbalance. This may be all that is required. In other cases, treatment may be needed to remove excess calcium or replace low calcium levels.

medications

• Drugs may be prescribed to raise or lower your calcium levels, depending on the need. Drugs may be given by mouth or through a needle placed in your vein (IV).
• Other drugs may be prescribed to treat a disorder that is the cause of the calcium imbalance.

activity

After treatment, return to your normal activities slowly as symptoms improve.

diet

• For mild, low calcium level, calcium supplements and vitamin D may be recommended. Get more protein, milk, and milk products in your diet.
• For a mild, high-calcium level, consume fewer dairy products and antacids that contain calcium.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of calcium imbalance.
• Symptoms get worse or they don't improve with treatment.

Special Notes: