Hypercalcemia

Definition

Hypercalcemia means you have too much calcium in your blood.

Alternative Names

Calcium - elevated; High calcium level; Hyperparathyroidism - hypercalcemia

Causes

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and Vitamin D help manage calcium balance in the body.

The most common cause of high calcium blood level is excess PTH released by the parathyroid glands. This excess occurs due to:

Calcium blood level may also be high if your body is low on fluids or water.

Other conditions can also cause hypercalcemia:

Men and women of all ages can have a high blood calcium level. However, it is most common in women over age 50 (after menopause). In most cases, this is due to an overactive parathyroid gland.

Symptoms

The condition is most often diagnosed at an early stage using routine blood tests. Most people have no symptoms.

Symptoms due to high calcium level may vary, depending on the cause and how long the problem has been present. They may include:

Exams and Tests

An accurate diagnosis is needed when someone has hypercalcemia. People with kidney stones should have tests to evaluate for hypercalcemia.

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at the cause of hypercalcemia whenever possible. People with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) may need surgery to remove the abnormal parathyroid gland. This will cure the hypercalcemia.

Severe hypercalcemia that causes symptoms and requires a hospital stay may be treated with the following:

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well you do depends on the cause of your high calcium level. The outlook is good for people with mild hyperparathyroidism or hypercalcemia that have a treatable cause. Most of the time, there are no complications.

People with hypercalcemia due to conditions such as cancer or sarcoidosis may not do well. This is most often because of the disease itself, rather than the high calcium level.

Possible Complications

GASTROINTESTINAL

KIDNEY

PSYCHOLOGICAL

SKELETAL

These complications of long-term hypercalcemia are uncommon today in many countries.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your health care provider if you have:

Prevention

Most causes of hypercalcemia cannot be prevented. Anyone with symptoms of hypercalcemia should have their blood calcium level checked.

Talk to your provider about the correct dose if you are taking calcium and vitamin D supplements.

References

Coleman RE, Brown J, Holen I. Bone metastases. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 56.

Reid LM, Kamani D, Randolf GW. Management of parathyroid disorders. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 123.

Thakker RV. The parathyroid glands, hypercalcemia, and hypocalcemia. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 227.


Review Date: 2/28/2024
Reviewed By: Sandeep K. Dhaliwal, MD, board-certified in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Springfield, VA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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