Why would calcium levels be checked?
Why would calcium levels be checked?
A blood calcium test is ordered to screen for, diagnose, and monitor a range of conditions relating to the bones, heart, nerves, kidneys, and teeth. The test may also be ordered if a person has symptoms of a parathyroid disorder, malabsorption, or an overactive thyroid.
What type of cancer causes high calcium levels?
Types of cancer that cause hypercalcemia of malignancy include cancers of the lung, breast, esophagus, mouth, tongue, lip, kidney, ovary, uterus, and cervix. Blood-borne cancers such as lymphoma and multiple myeloma can also cause high calcium levels.
Is high calcium in the blood dangerous?
Too much calcium in your blood can weaken your bones, create kidney stones, and interfere with how your heart and brain work. Hypercalcemia is usually a result of overactive parathyroid glands.
What does it mean when your calcium level is high?
However, quite frequently a high blood calcium level will mean that there is an important underlying problem. In general, the first thing to do is re-check the level to confirm it.
What should my calcium level be on a blood test?
I have a calcium level of 10.3 on a test where the reference range top end is 10.2. About a year ago it was 10.5 but the top end of the reference range … I had recently posted about Vitamin D and Blood Calcium Levels and your response was you do not feel that my high intake of vitamin D is the cause of …
What can affect the results of a calcium test?
Additionally, consuming large amount of foods or drinks that contain calcium can increase the levels of calcium in your blood and affect test results. To perform the test, your healthcare provider will draw a blood sample from your arm.
When to see an endocrinologist for elevated calcium levels?
An Elevated Calcium Level Is Definitely Cause for Concern. Ideally you will be seen by an endocrinologist that specializes in parathyroid disease because, in FAR TOO MANY cases, parathyroid disease is missed by endocrinologists who will continue to ‘watch’ your calcium levels as if they are going to do something interesting and spectacular.
What do elevated calcium levels in bloodwork indicate?
Uncommonly, high blood calcium levels are due to something other than hyperparathyroidism , such as cancers or malignancies not from the parathyroid gland. However, in most patients, high calcium levels are caused by hyperparathyroidism, a condition when the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone.
Which hormone raises blood calcium levels?
Blood calcium levels are regulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is produced by the parathyroid glands. PTH is released in response to low blood calcium levels. It increases calcium levels by targeting the skeleton, the kidneys, and the intestine.
What causes elevated serum calcium levels?
The most common cause of high calcium levels (hypercalcemia) is an overproduction of parathyroid hormone, or hyperparathyroidism. Hyperparathyroidism tends to be more common in women.
What can cause high calcium levels in blood?
Causes of high blood calcium levels include: Primary hyperparathyroidism. This is the most common cause of high blood calcium levels. Malignancy (cancer). This is the second most common cause of high blood calcium levels, and has nothing to do with the parathyroid glands. Thiazide diuretics.