What is Calcium in Blood Test? What is High and Low Calcium Level? Causes & Treatment?
- Health Garden
- Apr 19, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 16, 2024
Calcium in blood test is a parameter that measures the level of calcium in your blood.
Calcium is one of the most important minerals needed by the body for the continuation of vitality. The majority of all bones and teeth in the body consist of calcium mineral. While 99% of the calcium in the body is located in the bones, the remaining 1% is found in the blood.
Calcium, which has a vital role for bone health, cannot be produced in the body; it is taken from outside with food and stored in the bone. When the calcium intake from food is not enough, the stores in the bones are used. The use of calcium in bones causes the bone structure to deteriorate and become unhealthy and brittle. Therefore, when calcium intake from food is insufficient for a long time, bone and joint diseases become inevitable.
Calcium plays a role in many vital functions. The most important benefits are: ° It forms the natural structure of bones and ensures that bone density is maintained and bones are strong and solid. ° It supports bone development in children and prevents bone loss in adults. ° It plays a role in the formation and protection of tooth enamel. ° It plays an important role in muscle contraction and relaxation. ° It helps transmit nerve impulses to muscles. ° It plays an important role in the formation of blood clots and stopping bleeding. ° It helps transmit signals between nerve cells. Supports brain functions. ° It is necessary for the growth and repair of body cells. ° It helps regulate blood pressure. ° It may help lower cholesterol levels. ° It may reduce the risk of cancer.
Blood calcium testing is used to help diagnose or monitor many medical conditions, including conditions that affect your bones, kidneys, digestive system, thyroid, and parathyroid glands.
What is A Normal Calcium Level in Blood Test ?
Normal calcium level is between 8.5-10.5 mg/dL for adults in a blood test. Reference values may vary slightly between laboratories. The reference range of the laboratory where the test is performed should be taken into account.
What is High Calcium Level in Blood Test?
High calcium is a value above 10.5 mg/dl in a blood test.
Higher than normal calcium level is called hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia is a condition in which there is more calcium in the body than normal.
High calcium (hypercalcemia) can be evaluated at 3 different levels:
Mild hypercalcemia: 10.5-11.9 mg/dL
Moderate hypercalcemia: 12.0-13.9 mg/dL
Severe hypercalcemia: 14.0-16.0 mg/dL
Symptoms usually occur when the calcium value exceeds 12.0 mg/dL.
This disorder can be caused by various factors that affect the regular absorption, storage or excretion of calcium and can lead to some health problems.
What Causes High Calcium Level in Blood Test?
Some possible causes of high calcium include:
Overactive parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism): Parathyroid glands maintain calcium balance in the body by secreting parathyroid hormone (PTH). Parathyroid glands are small glands located behind the thyroid gland. Hyperparathyroidism is when the parathyroid glands become overactive and produce too much PTH hormone. Excess PTH causes calcium to be released from the bones and its level in the blood to rise. The most common cause of hyperparathyroidism is parathyroid adenoma, a benign tumor that forms in one of the parathyroid glands.
Some types of cancer: Some types of cancer can cause calcium to be released from the bones, increasing the blood level. The cancers that most commonly cause this condition are: Breast cancer, lung cancer, kidney cancer, head and neck cancers, multiple myeloma, lymphoma, leukemia.
Paget's disease: It is a disease that causes excessive bone growth.
Hyperthyroidism
Some medications: Some medications, such as lithium and thiazide diuretics, can cause calcium levels to increase.
Excessive calcium and vitamin D supplements
Dehydration: Dehydration can cause the blood to concentrate and increase calcium levels.
Some kidney diseases: Failure of the kidneys to filter calcium may cause calcium levels to rise.
Bone fractures: Bone fractures can cause calcium to be released from the bones and increase its level in the blood.
High Calcium Symptoms
Common symptoms of high calcium include:
Digestive system symptoms:
Nausea and vomiting
Stomach ache
Constipation
Anorexia
Kidney and urinary system symptoms:
Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Kidney stone formation
Nervous system and muscular system symptoms:
Fatigue and weakness
Muscle weakness and cramps
Irritability and sleep problems
Headache
Concentration disorder
Depression
Other symptoms:
Bone pain and joint pain
Skin dryness and itching
Irregular heartbeat
Fainting
Symptoms of hypercalcemia may vary from person to person and can be mild or severe depending on the underlying cause.
How to Treat High Calcium Level?
Treatment of high calcium depends on the underlying cause. If the cause of high calcium (hypercalcemia) is due to overactive functioning of the parathyroid gland, the patient can be treated with parathyroid surgery. If the cause is dehydration, calcium can be reduced by increasing fluid intake. If the underlying cancer disease is detected, high calcium can be treated by eliminating the main cause with treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, depending on the type and stage of cancer. If excessive calcium and vitamin D supplements are taken, dosage adjustment should be made. For very high calcium levels, medication may be started to reduce calcium to normal levels until the root cause is treated. Treatment should be done under the supervision of a doctor.
What is Low Calcium Level in Blood Test?
Low calcium is a value below 8.5 mg/dl in a blood test.
A lower than normal calcium level is called hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia is a condition where there is less calcium in the body than normal.
What Causes Low Calcium Level in Blood Test?
Possible causes of low calcium include:
Hypoparathyroidism: A condition in which the parathyroid glands produce too little parathyroid hormone.
Insufficient calcium intake: Not consuming enough calcium-rich foods such as milk and dairy products, green leafy vegetables and legumes.
Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D ensures the absorption of calcium.
Kidney diseases
Some digestive diseases: Some digestive diseases, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease, can interfere with calcium absorption.
Some medications: Some medications can lower calcium levels.
Low Calcium Symptoms
Possible low calcium symptoms:
Bone and teeth problems: Weakening and fragility in bones, bone pains, tooth decay and tooth fractures
Muscle and nerve problems: Muscle cramps and twitches, numbness and tingling, tetany (muscle contractions and spasms), irritability and restlessness, depression and lack of concentration
Other symptoms: Dry skin and nails, hair loss, fatigue and weakness, headache, fainting
How to Treat Low Calcium Level?
Treatment for low calcium (hypocalcemia) depends on the underlying cause. Treatment options include:
Diet changes: Consuming foods rich in calcium and vitamin D
Vitamin D supplement: Taking vitamin D supplement if you have vitamin D deficiency
Calcium supplement: Taking calcium supplements as recommended by your doctor
Treatment of underlying disease: If there is an underlying disease, such as kidney disease or digestive disease, treatment of that disease
Hypocalcemia can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of hypocalcemia.