About this topic
A high level of calcium in the blood is hypercalcemia. Calcium is an important mineral that is in almost every part of your body. It makes your teeth and bones strong and healthy. It also helps your body: ‚
- Make blood clots
- Keep your heartbeat normal
- Release hormones
- Send and get signals between your nerves and brain
- Make muscles work well
Certain health problems can keep the calcium from being absorbed out of the blood. This can make your blood have a higher level of calcium. These are problems like: ‚
- Trouble with your thyroid, parathyroid, or adrenal glands
- Certain drugs or diet aids
- Kidney failure or cancer
- Infections or inflammatory diseases
- Being confined to bed for a long time
People who have high blood calcium may have some signs or they may have none at all. You may notice: ‚
- Muscle weakness and twitching
- Being very tired
- Not able to have bowel movements
- Low mood
- Upset stomach and throwing up
Your doctor will work to treat any hidden cause. You may need to have fluids or dialysis to help get rid of the calcium in your blood. You may be in the hospital until your levels are back to normal. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Keep track of your fluid intake. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of fluids each day.
- Avoid antacids that have high calcium content.
- Your doctor may give you drugs to control the calcium in your body. Take them as ordered.
- Your doctor will talk to you about other care needed for the cause of your hypercalcemia. Follow your doctors orders with care.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need another test to check the calcium level in your blood. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Slow bone loss
- Replace lost fluids
- Prevent the effects of too much vitamin D in your blood
Will physical activity be limited?
Your activities will not be limited. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Talk to your doctor or dietitian about your personal diet plan. Ask if you need to limit certain foods like milk and milk products. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Osteoporosis
- Bone fractures or cysts
- Kidney stones or kidney failure
- High blood pressure
- Stomach ulcers
- Pancreatitis
- Too much fluid loss
- Low mood
- Forgetfulness
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Being very tired
- Loss of appetite
- Problem when passing urine or blood in urine
- Throwing up or loose stools
- Too much thirst
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Lightheadedness
- Low mood
- Confusion
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or drugs.
- I can tell you what I will do if I am very tired or have chest pain or an irregular heartbeat.
Where can I learn more?
Hormone Health Network ‚
http://www.hormone.org/Resources/upload/FS_OEC_High_Blood_Calcium_EN-6-12.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚