What does high blood calcium mean? Hypercalcemia - causes. What to do if the calcium in the blood is more than three. oncology of metastases in bones

Probably, each of us mothers from early childhood forced to eat cottage cheese and drink milk, "so that the teeth are strong." In fact, dairy products are high in calcium (Ca), a healthy macronutrient needed for bone growth and strength. Reduced level of this electrolyte negatively affects not only dental health, but also general condition body, nervous system, hairline, nails, and also leads to such serious pathologies like scoliosis, flat feet, tetany (attacks of convulsions). Fear of such complications often prompts people to consume excessive amounts of foods or preparations containing this element, which can cause an excess of calcium in the body. And this condition is no less dangerous for a person than Ca deficiency.

Why is there an excessive deposition of calcium in the body

Many women, especially those who have given birth to several children, believe that they are at risk of hypocalcemia (lack of calcium) due to the fact that they "gave their reserves to the baby." Meanwhile, it is in women and the elderly that an excess of calcium is more common. What are the causes of an excess of calcium deposits in the body?

Only a doctor can diagnose hypercalcemia based on the results of a biochemical blood test. Most often elevated level calcium in the blood is caused by the following reasons:

the development of malignant tumors;
vitamin D drug intoxications (such as side effect when using Ergocalciferol);
hereditary diseases;
hormonal disorders.

Vitamin D is involved in the assimilation of the macronutrient, and this process is regulated by a number of hormones produced mainly by the parathyroid glands. That's why when you overdose on vitamin D and imbalance your hormones, calcium absorption fails, which can lead to calcium deficiency or excess.

An overdose of calcium can also occur with uncontrolled intake of calcium gluconate, some medicines for gastrointestinal tract, as well as against the background of radiation therapy and rehabilitation period after irradiation.

How does hypercalcemia manifest?

Can a person somehow feel an excess of calcium in the body? Yes, some non-specific symptoms may indicate an excess of calcium in the body. These symptoms are called nonspecific because they are characteristic not only of hypercalcemia, but also of many other diseases.

One of the first signs indicating an excess of calcium in the blood is constipation, accompanied by pain and cramps in the abdomen, flatulence, bloating, and sometimes leading to peptic ulcer. Excess calcium in the blood can be manifested by the following conditions:

dizziness;
increased fatigue;
digestive problems;
nausea, vomiting;
lack of appetite;
dry mouth;
depressive state;
disorientation and confusion;
violation of cardiac activity;
kidney failure;
causeless weight loss;
frequent convulsions.

In addition, symptoms of excess calcium in the blood and the body can be periodic heart attacks (due to the deposition of its salts on the walls of blood vessels) and the development of urolithiasis.

According to some medical research, a daily overdose of this element, exceeding 600 mg, can lead to prostate cancer.

All this indicates the need to remove excess calcium from the body.

How to reduce elevated Ca levels in the blood

The level of macroelements in the blood should be reduced with great care, constantly monitoring their content with the help of laboratory tests.

Only a doctor can determine how to remove excess calcium from the body without causing any harm to the patient.

Therefore, any decision to prescribe drugs or recommend foods that remove excess calcium from the body should be made by a doctor.

What foods remove Ca

Products that are not recommended for use with low calcium levels cannot be considered as those that can unconditionally be used to reduce the level of this trace element. Some of them, lowering the level of one element, can cause significant damage to most internal organs and systems. This can be said about table salt, alcohol, carbonated drinks and coffee. Overuse of these products was and remains harmful and hazardous to health. But there are other foods that can remove calcium from the body without special harm for good health:

green tea, thanks to the tea caffeine contained in it;
foods high in vitamin A, which promotes Ca leaching;
porridge from oatmeal;
distilled water.

It is very important - it is impossible to abuse the above products, especially distilled water, even in order to lower the high level of calcium!

Drinking large amounts of purified water is necessary to remove excess calcium, but distilled water should eventually be replaced with boiled or plain filtered water.

What drugs promote the excretion of calcium

Serious calcium overdoses require drug treatment, and in these cases, diuretic (diuretic) drugs, such as Furosemide, are most often prescribed, which provide rapid elimination macronutrient in the urine, as well as calcium antagonists with a high content of magnesium (for example, Veropamil). In addition, if necessary, symptomatic therapy can be prescribed:

glucocorticosteroids;
bisphosphonates;
calcitonin.

Of course, taking all calcium-containing drugs at this time should be canceled.

What are the consequences of an excess of Ca

Fortunately, Ca is not so toxic that an overdose of it could be fatal. In any case, medicine does not have data on the lethal dose of this macronutrient. However, an excess of Ca can lead to serious consequences requiring long-term treatment, and sometimes surgical intervention(eg, in severe cases of aortic valve calcification).

The most commonly observed consequences of hypercalcemia include:

arterial hypertension - increased arterial pressure caused by the deposition of calcium salts on the walls of blood vessels;
gout - a disease of tissues and joints caused by a violation of metabolism and salt balance and characterized by the accumulation and difficulty in excretion of uric acid by the kidneys;
calcification - deposits of calcium salts in organs or soft tissues accompanied by characteristic painful formations on different areas body;
hyperparathyroidism is a disease endocrine system caused by an excess of parathyroid hormones due to impaired salt metabolism.

In addition, hypercalcemia inhibits excitability nerve fibers and skeletal muscle, smooth muscle tone decreases, useful microelements such as magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron are washed out of the body, blood thickens, kidney stones form, bradycardia and angina pectoris develop, acidity increases gastric juice, which can cause hyperacid gastritis and peptic ulcers.

Given the vagueness of the symptoms of hypercalcemia, one should not hope that independent measures to remove excess calcium will quickly give a noticeable result. For example, hypercalcemia provoked by an overdose of vitamin D can be observed in the blood even several months after the withdrawal of a vitamin-containing preparation. Therefore, when carrying out measures to reduce Ca, you should regularly donate blood to biochemical analysis, control the level of its Ca content in it and be observed by a doctor. This will most effectively restore the salt balance and overall well-being.

Calcium is one of the most important macronutrients in the blood of women, and, of course, men. Its importance is fully justified, because thanks to him in human body vital processes can be carried out. Therefore, the level of calcium in the blood must be constantly maintained at a normal level, otherwise it threatens with pathologies.

What does calcium provide to the body?

This is a fundamental element involved in the construction of bone tissue and teeth;
It is necessary for the growth and normal formation of the structure of the hair and nail plates;
Normalizes and maintains a normal heart rhythm;
All vascular system and some of its structures are controlled by calcium;
Necessary for the implementation of enzyme metabolism;
Affects the stability of the functioning of the calving of the human nervous system;
Due to the presence of calcium in the blood plasma, its clotting is ensured;
Renders positive influence on the endocrine glands;
Allows stable work of various muscle groups, including the heart.

In addition, what of natural products calcium can be poorly absorbed, so under the influence of certain factors, it is actively washed out. These include:

Excessive passion for salty and smoked foods;
Unbalanced and irrational nutrition;
Coffee and tea;
Alcoholic and carbonated drinks;
Smoking;
Vegetable acid from thermally unprocessed green foods;
The presence in the diet of food rich in sodium, phosphorus, fiber and animal fats;
Unfavorable environmental conditions.

Sour-milk and dairy products are the main source of calcium, but they will not be of any use if a person is lactose intolerant.

Children should consume about 600 milligrams of calcium per day, teenagers - from 1000 to 1200 milligrams. Approximately the same amount is enough for adults, but it all depends on their professional activities and activity.

The absorption of calcium will be as active as possible if a person eats the appropriate food for dinner.

Calcium ionized - the norm in the blood

Calcium detected in the blood is common and ionized. The norm of the first is 2.16 - 2.51 mmol / l. The rate of ionized calcium is from 1.13 to 1.32 mmol / l.

Calcium levels in children are slightly different, in the first case they are higher (from 2.25 to 2.75), and in the second - slightly lower (from 1.29 to 1.31).

If the analysis shows a value less than the reference, then this condition will be called hypocalcemia. Calcium deficiency can be caused by:

Help restore balance balanced diet, which will be dominated by such products: cottage cheese, yogurt, cream, cheeses, beans, soybeans, nuts (seeds), fresh and dried fruits, vegetables, in particular cabbage, greens, salmon fish and sardines, vegetable oils, cocoa, chocolate, bran bread.

To determine the level of calcium, blood is taken from a vein, after which a biochemical study is performed.

Total calcium is subdivided into:

Particular attention is paid to the ionized form of calcium, since it is a free and unbound structure, which allows it to freely circulate through the blood and participate in physiological processes. Such an analysis clearly conveys the state of calcium metabolism in the body.

Blood calcium level- an important indicator, since this macronutrient is involved in many processes in the body: it is necessary for the formation of bone tissue, participates in the work of muscles, nerves and the cardiovascular system, and is important for metabolism in general.

The level of calcium in the blood: indications for analysis

Diagnosis of endocrine disorders (hyperthyroidism)
Cardiovascular disease (arrhythmia);
and duodenum;
Malignant neoplasms;
Kidney disease (urolithiasis);
convulsive syndrome;
Polyuria: more than about 2 liters (sometimes more than 3 liters) of urine is excreted from the body instead of daily allowance in 1-1.5 l;
Muscle hypotension.

The analysis is also carried out with suspicion of diseases of the musculoskeletal system: with bone pain; frequent fractures, etc. Diagnosis and control also require tests for calcium levels in the blood.

Conditions for submitting an analysis

On the eve of the test for the level of calcium in the blood should be avoided physical activity do not take alcohol. It should also be noted that (especially milk, cottage cheese, legumes, nuts) may somewhat distort the results of the analysis. Blood sampling is performed in the morning on an empty stomach, preferably after 8-12 hours of fasting.

The normal level of calcium in the blood

The calcium level is also measured in mg/100 ml. Conversion factor: mg/100 ml x 0.25 = mmol/L.

What is important to know when interpreting analysis results?

Decreased blood calcium levels can be caused by a deficiency of this macronutrient and vitamin D. Decreased blood calcium levels can also be caused by malabsorption, kidney and liver diseases, endocrine and other disorders. Low blood calcium levels may be the result of certain anticonvulsant medications, anticancer drugs, neomycin, etc.

The level of calcium in the blood cannot be the only clear criterion for osteoporosis, since it does not indicate the content of calcium in the bone tissue. If the body does not receive enough of this macronutrient or it is lost due to a reduced level female hormone estrogen, calcium begins to be washed out of the bones to compensate for the deficiency in the blood. That is, the bone tissue suffers so that the rest of the organs, the brain, heart, nerves, muscles, can work normally.

Elevated blood calcium levels often indicate hypervitaminosis D. Elevated blood calcium levels can be the result of taking a number of medications (containing lithium, thiazide diuretics). Elevated calcium levels in the blood may indicate more serious disorders- hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, severe osteoporosis, malignant neoplasms, etc. Let's briefly consider the main reasons for the deviation from the norm in this indicator.

Increased calcium levels (hypercalcemia)

Hypervitaminosis D;
Overdose of certain drugs;
Good and malignant neoplasms parathyroid glands;
Malignant tumors (with metastasis of cancer of the lungs, breast, kidneys, ovaries, uterus);
Hemoblastosis (leukemia, lymphoma, hematosarcoma) - tumor diseases of the hematopoietic and lymphatic tissue;
thyrotoxicosis;
Adrenal insufficiency;
kidney disease, acute kidney failure;
Sarcoidosis;
Idiopathic hypercalcemia (more often develops in children of the first year of life between the 5th and 8th month);
Williams syndrome;
Hereditary hypercalcemia;
Hypercalcemia due to immobilization in injuries and diseases.

Decreased calcium levels (hypocalcemia):

Lack of vitamin D;
Taking certain medications
Hypoparathyroidism (primary or secondary) insufficient function of the parathyroid gland;
Pseudohypoparathyroidism ( hereditary disease);
with pancreatic necrosis;
Pathologies of the kidneys or liver (chronic renal failure, liver failure);
Violation of the acid-base balance.

Hypercalcemiais an increased level of calcium in the blood. Cause may be hyperactivity parathyroid gland, certain drugs, excessive vitamin D intake, or underlying diseases, including cancer.

Calcium plays important role in the body. It keeps bones and teeth strong and also supports muscles, nerves and the heart. However, too much calcium can cause problems.

What is hypercalcemia?

Blood calcium levels are mainly controlled by the parathyroid glands. These four tiny glands are located behind thyroid gland. When the body needs calcium, the parathyroid glands release a hormone that signals the kidneys to produce less calcium.

An overactive parathyroid gland can upset calcium balance.

If calcium levels become too high, a person may be diagnosed with hypercalcemia. This condition may be related to:

poor bone health;
kidney stones;
dysfunction of the heart and brain.

Extremely high level calcium in the blood can be life-threatening.

Hypercalcemia - symptoms

Mild hypercalcemia causes no symptoms, while severe hypercalcemia can cause:

Excessive thirst and frequent urination

Too much calcium makes the kidneys work harder. As a result, a person urinates more often, which leads to dehydration and increased thirst.

Stomach pain and digestive problems

Too much high content calcium can cause indigestion, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

Bone pain and muscle weakness

Hypercalcemia can cause the bones to release a lot of calcium. This abnormal bone activity can lead to pain and muscle weakness.

Lethargy and fatigue

Too much calcium in the blood can affect the brain, causing these symptoms.

Anxiety and depression

Hypercalcemia can also affect mental health.

and arrhythmia

High calcium levels can increase blood pressure and lead to electrical deviations that change the rhythm of the heart.

Hypercalcemia - causes

Hyperactivity of the parathyroid glands

The parathyroid glands control calcium levels. If they work too hard, it can lead to hypercalcemia.

An overactive parathyroid gland is calledhyperparathyroidism. This may be the most common cause of hypercalcemia. Hyperparathyroidism is usually diagnosed in people between the ages of 50 and 60. It is three times more common in women than in men.

Too much vitamin D

Vitamin D causes calcium absorption in the intestine. After absorption, calcium enters the bloodstream. Only 10-20% of the calcium is usually absorbed and the rest is excreted in the feces. However, too much vitamin D causes the body to absorb more calcium, resulting in hypercalcemia. high dose vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia. These supplements can be used to treat and other diseases. Recommended daily dose for adults is 600-800 IU per day.

Crayfish

Cancer can cause hypercalcemia. Oncological diseases that usually lead to this disease:

lungs' cancer;
mammary cancer;
blood cancer.

If the cancer spreads to the bones, it increases the risk of hypercalcemia.

Other health conditions

The following conditions cause high calcium levels:

sarcoidosis;
thyroid disease;
chronic kidney disease;
adrenal disease;
severe fungal infections;
limited mobility.

People who cannot move for long periods of time are also at risk for hypercalcemia. When bones have less work to do, they can release more calcium into the bloodstream.

Dehydration

Severe dehydration increases the concentration of calcium in the bloodstream. However, its imbalance can be corrected.

Medications

Some drugs can cause overactivity of the parathyroid gland, which can lead to hypercalcemia. One example is lithium, which is used to treat bipolar disorder.

Complications of increased calcium in the blood

Without proper treatment, hypercalcemia can cause:

Osteoporosis

Over time, bones can release excess calcium into the bloodstream. This makes the bones thin and less dense. People with osteoporosis are at increased risk of:

bone fracture;
curvature of the spine.

Stones in the kidneys

People with hypercalcemia are at risk for the formation of calcium crystals in the kidneys. These crystals can form kidney stones, which are often asymptomatic. They can also damage the kidneys.

kidney failure

Over time, severe hypercalcemia can impair kidney function. When the kidneys cannot effectively cleanse the blood and remove fluid from the body, this is called kidney failure.

Problems with the nervous system

If left untreated, hypercalcemia can affect nervous system. Possible consequences:

dementia;
weakness;
coma.

Heart rhythm disorder

The heart beats when electrical impulses travel through it and cause it to contract. Calcium plays a role in regulating this process, and too much calcium can lead to irregular heartbeats.

Hypercalcemia - diagnosis

A person with mild hypercalcemia may have no symptoms and the condition can be diagnosed with a blood test.

The analysis will show the level of calcium in the blood and parathyroid hormones. It can show how well the body's systems are functioning. After identifying hypercalcemia, the doctor may perform additional diagnostic methods, such as:

ECG;
radiography chest to rule out lung cancer or infections;
mammography to rule out breast cancer;
CT or MRI to measure bone density.

Hypercalcemia - treatment

People with mild hypercalcemia do not need treatment, and calcium levels may return to normal over time.

For people with severe hypercalcemia, it is important to find the cause. A doctor may suggest treatment to lower calcium levels and prevent complications. Possible ways treatments include intravenous fluids and medications such as calcitonin or bisphosphonates.

If parathyroid activity, high vitamin D levels, or another medical condition is causing hypercalcemia, your doctor will treat the underlying conditions.

Hypercalcemia -prevention

Certain lifestyle changes can balance calcium levels. These include:

Consuming a lot of water

Water can lower blood calcium levels and prevent kidney stones from forming.

To give up smoking

Smoking increases bone loss.

Exercise and strength training

Exercise improves bone strength and health.

Literature

Gastanaga V. M. et al. Prevalence of hypercalcemia among cancer patients in the United States //Cancer medicine. - 2016. - T. 5. - No. 8. - S. 2091-2100.
Goldner W. Cancer-related hypercalcemia // Journal of oncology practice. - 2016. - T. 12. - No. 5. - S. 426-432.
Karthikeyan V. J., Khan J. M., Lip G. Y. H. Hypercalcemia and the cardiovascular system //Metabolic syndrome and its management. - 2006. - S. 25.
Marcus, J. F., Shalev, S. M., Harris, C. A., Goodin, D. S., & Josephson, A. (2012, January). Severe hypercalcemia following vitamin D supplementation in a patient with multiple sclerosis: A note of caution. Archives of Neurology, 69(1), 129–132.
Mirrakhimov, A. E. (November 2015). Hypercalcemia of malignancy: An update on pathogenesis and management. North American Journal of Medical Sciences, 7(11), 483–493.

Some diseases can cause hypercalcemia - increased content calcium in the blood, which over time will lead to the development of other health problems. It is important to determine the causes of both excess and shortage of the element.

Elevated blood calcium levels are most common in patients with primary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism.

In most cases, the diagnosis reveals benign tumors(adenomas) on the parathyroid gland. The disease develops predominantly in the female half of the population and in those who have been treated radiation therapy in the neck area.

In oncology of the lungs, ovaries, kidneys, the resulting metastases can penetrate into bone tissue and destroy it, thereby "freeing" calcium. Therefore, patients with malignant tumors have a high concentration of the mineral in the blood serum.

The development of hypercalcemia is caused hereditary pathologies(hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, endocrine neoplasia), granulomatous lesions (sarcoidosis, histoplasmosis,).

The reasons for the increased content of calcium in the body include the intake medicines containing lithium, theophylline, thiazide diuretics, thyroid hormones.

Prolonged lack of movement, for example, after fractures, burns, provokes an increase in calcium and resorption (destruction) of bone tissue.

The main causes of hypercalcemia are an excess of parathyroid hormone in the body (hyperparathyroidism), oncology and long-term use of calcium preparations.

Diagnostics

The level of calcium in the body is determined using a urinalysis and biochemical blood screening for electrolytes. Including investigated the amount of magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, chlorine and potassium.

With latent hypercalcemia (against the background low level protein) spend laboratory diagnostics plasma for free calcium. for free calcium is a more accurate indicator of the content of the mineral in the blood than a study of the total amount.