Hypercalcemia: A Complete Guide!

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HYPERCALCEMIA
A Complete Guide!

• By Dr. Valeria Simone MD,
• (Southlake General Surgery, Texas, USA)

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Overview

• Reviewed by Dr. Valeria Simone MD (Southlake
  General Surgery, Texas)
• Did you know that about 1 in 500 people have
  Hypercalcemia? Hypercalcemia, or an abnormally
  high blood calcium level, is dangerous and needs
  to be treated immediately.
• In this comprehensive guide, well look at what
  causes Hypercalcemia, how to diagnose it, and
  what can be done about it. Youll find all the
  information you need here, whether youre a
  patient, a caretaker, or just inquisitive about
  this disease.

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Causes of Hypercalcemia

• Hypercalcemia is a medical condition
  characterized by an excessive presence of calcium
  in the bloodstream.
• Although calcium is crucial for maintaining
  optimal bone and dental health, excessive intake
  of this mineral can result in a range of adverse
  health conditions.
• Lets examine the potential triggers for
  Hypercalcemia and figure out whats going on.
• Primary Hyperparathyroidism
• One of the most common underlying causes of
  hypercalcemia is primary hyperparathyroidism. The
  parathyroid glands in your neck control your
  bodys calcium balance.
• In extreme cases, the parathyroid glands can go
  into overdrive and create an excess of the
  hormone. As a result, your blood calcium levels
  will increase. Imagine your thermostat is set too
  high, causing the system to become confused and
  heat things up more than necessary.

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• Cancer
• No one likes hearing the word cancer, but its
  important to be aware that several forms of
  cancer, including breast and lung cancer, can
  cause hypercalcemia.
• Why does this occur? Some malignancies secrete
  chemicals that mimic parathyroid hormone and
  cause the body to unwittingly increase its blood
  calcium levels. Its a stealthy way in which
  cancer can spread to other parts of the body.
• Medications and Supplements
• Hypercalcemia can be caused by something as
  seemingly innocuous as the pills or powders you
  consume regularly.
• Increased calcium levels can be caused by using
  certain diuretics, antacids, or even vitamin D
  supplements in excessive doses. Just like how a
  pinch of salt can enhance a dish, too much of it
  can ruin the dish altogether.
• Other Causes
• Life is an incredible journey filled with
  unexpected moments, and the human body is no
  exception.
• In addition to the more prevalent triggers, such
  as excessive calcium intake or overactive
  parathyroid glands, there are several
  lesser-known factors that can contribute to the
  development of hypercalcemia.
• These include conditions like kidney failure,
  tuberculosis, and dehydration. Prolonged bed rest
  has the potential to give rise to this condition.
• The human body is a remarkable and intricate
  system, functioning much like a complex machine.
  Various factors can easily upset the delicate
  equilibrium of calcium levels within this complex
  framework.

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Symptoms of Hypercalcemia

• Hypercalcemia, a condition characterized by
  elevated levels of calcium in the blood, may
  appear to be a complex medical terminology
  however, it is a condition that has the potential
  to impact individuals across various
  demographics.
• Hypercalcemia is a condition characterized by an
  excess of calcium in the blood. While calcium is
  crucial for our bodies, an excessive amount can
  cause a range of issues. Lets take a brief look
  at what Hypercalcemia feels like, so youll know
  what to look for if it ever shows up.
• Fatigue and Weakness
• Consider participating in a marathon without
  undergoing proper training and preparation. That
  is how an individuals body may experience
  sensations when Hypercalcemia manifests.
• Patients may present with a persistent sensation
  of fatigue or weakness, regardless of the absence
  of physical exertion. It appears that your energy
  levels are significantly depleted, and you are
  unable to determine the underlying cause.
• Digestive Issues
• Hypercalcemia can also have an impact on the
  functioning of your digestive system. Patients
  may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting,
  and constipation, which may persist as ongoing
  challenges.
• Consider it congestion in your gastrointestinal
  tract, where the flow of substances is
  restricted, resulting in inadequate movement.

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• Mood Changes
• Hypercalcemia can potentially affect emotional
  well-being. Patients may experience heightened
  irritability, cognitive impairment, or depressive
  symptoms.
• It appears that a state of melancholy has
  enveloped your typically optimistic demeanor, and
  you are having trouble alleviating it.
• Physical Discomfort
• Physical pain is one way your body may try to
  warn you. Pain in your muscles and joints is a
  common side effect, and so is the need to urinate
  more frequently, which could lead to an increase
  in toilet trips.
• Like an alarm, its your bodys way of letting
  you know that something is wrong.

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Diagnosis of Hypercalcemia

• Now that you know what triggers Hypercalcemia,
  you might be wondering how doctors diagnose it.
  Hypercalcemia is not a guessing game rather, it
  is diagnosed after a series of tests and
  examinations.
• Lets investigate this path toward learning about
  your bodys inner workings.
• Blood Tests
• Consider your blood a network of informational
  highways. Your doctor can determine how much
  calcium is coursing through your veins by
  collecting a small sample.
• Hypercalcemia is most often diagnosed with blood
  tests, which are typically easy and fast to do.
  The pinch may be uncomfortable, but its a
  necessary part of finding the solution.
• Imaging Studies
• There are occasions when a closer examination of
  the inside organs is required by doctors.
• Imaging tests, including X-rays, CT scans, and
  MRIs, can pinpoint the underlying cause of this
  condition, which might be anything from a tumor
  to a problem with the parathyroid glands.
• These imaging examinations are like a powerful
  microscope that focuses on the finer points.
• Specialist Consultation
• Your primary care physician may recommend that
  you see a specialist, such as an endocrinologist
  if your condition necessitates it.
• Due to their extensive knowledge of hormones,
  they can throw light on intricate instances of
  Hypercalcemia. Its like bringing in a detective
  who focuses on solving only certain kinds of
  cases.

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FAQs About Diagnosis

• Q How is Hypercalcemia diagnosed?
• With the use of diagnostic procedures including
  blood tests and imaging scans, in addition to
  possible visits with specialists.
• Q Is the diagnosis painful?
• It doesnt hurt to get a diagnosis nowadays.
  Minor discomfort is possible during blood tests,
  however, it is usually short-lived.
• Q How long does it typically take to receive a
  diagnosis?
• Timelines can fluctuate based on the nature and
  number of tests necessitated. A rough time frame
  might be provided by your doctor.

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Treatment of Hypercalcemia

• Now that you know what causes Hypercalcemia and
  how to identify it, you can treat it. Lets
  understand, how to get your treatment back on
  track.
• As per the medical expertise of Dr. Valeria
  Simone, MD, a board-certified general surgeon
  at Southlake General Surgery, Texas, USA, the
  management of Hypercalcemia is not standardized
  but rather individualized based on the underlying
  cause and personalized requirements of the
  patient.
• Let us examine the diverse avenues toward
  achieving improved well-being.
• Medical Treatment
• Pharmaceutical interventions can play a crucial
  role, akin to superheroes, in combating
  Hypercalcemia. Depending on the cause, physicians
  may prescribe medications such as bisphosphonates
  to reduce calcium levels.
• These medications function by inhibiting the
  activity of osteoclasts, the cells responsible
  for bone resorption, thereby promoting calcium
  homeostasis within the body. It can be compared
  to applying the brakes when one is exceeding a
  safe speed.
• Surgical Options
• In certain instances, surgical intervention may
  be deemed the most appropriate course of
  treatment, particularly when hyperactive
  parathyroid glands are identified as the
  underlying cause.
• Medical professionals specializing in endocrine
  surgery have the capability to surgically excise
  the affected glands, thereby reinstating
  homeostasis in your calcium levels.
• It may appear challenging but consider it
  identical to the extraction of an undesirable
  plant from a garden, thereby facilitating the
  flourishing of the exquisite flora.

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Lifestyle Changes

• The choices you make every day have an impact on
  the calcium levels in your body. Modifying ones
  diet and physical activity levels can have a
  profound effect.
• The approach includes limiting calcium-rich
  meals, increasing water intake, and maintaining a
  consistent exercise routine. Small alterations
  can bring about a sense of harmony, much like
  tuning a musical instrument.

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FAQs About Treatment

• Q What are the possible adverse effects of this
  treatment?
• A There is no standard answer because it depends
  on the type of treatment being administered.
  Possible side effects will be discussed with you
  by your doctor.
• Q How long does treatment typically last?
• A The duration of treatment depends on the
  underlying condition and the strategy employed.
  Constant examinations could be essential.
• Q What is the prognosis for Hypercalcemia?
• A Hypercalcemia can be efficiently treated or
  even cured in many cases, depending on its cause.

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Complications of Hypercalcemia

• Too much calcium in the blood is only one symptom
  of hypercalcemia. Like a stone dropped into a
  pond, it can have far-reaching effects on your
  health.
• Although these problems can be serious, knowing
  about them is the first step in treatment and
  prevention. Lets take a look at these unforeseen
  challenges and see what we can find.
• Kidney Problems
• The kidneys function as a vital filtration system
  within the human body, diligently working to
  maintain the cleanliness and purity of the blood.
• Hypercalcemia has the potential to induce the
  formation of renal calculi, commonly known as
  kidney stones, and may even contribute to the
  development of chronic kidney disease.
• When calcium levels become elevated, the kidneys
  face a challenge like attempting to pass water
  through an obstructed sieve.

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• Heart Issues
• The heart functions as the vital organ
  responsible for maintaining the circulatory
  system, and the condition known as Hypercalcemia
  has the potential to interfere with its normal
  cardiac rhythm.
• Cardiac arrhythmias and potential cardiovascular
  abnormalities may manifest because of imbalanced
  calcium levels within the body. Its like having
  a single musician in an orchestra play out of
  tune the whole thing just doesnt sound right.
• Bone Health
• Calcium serves as a fundamental component for
  bone structure however, excessive levels of
  calcium in the bloodstream can contribute to the
  development of osteoporosis and fractures.
• Consider your bones as a fortified structure
  they require an optimal balance of substances to
  maintain their strength. Hypercalcemia can
  compromise the integrity of the structure,
  rendering it more vulnerable to potential harm.

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• Neurological Complications
• The central nervous system, comprising the brain
  and nervous system, serves as the regulatory hub
  of the human body.
• Hypercalcemia, a medical condition characterized
  by elevated levels of calcium in the blood, can
  give rise to significant neurological
  complications, such as seizures and coma.
• Its like a software bug that causes widespread
  chaos on a computer, with disastrous
  consequences.
• The Broader Perspective
• Gaining knowledge about the potential
  complications associated with Hypercalcemia is
  like receiving a medical prognosis, as it aids in
  proactive preparation for potential outcomes.
• Timely identification and appropriate
  intervention can effectively prevent or manage
  these complications, thereby minimizing the
  progression of adverse outcomes.

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Prevention of Hypercalcemia

• Preventive measures play a crucial role in
  healthcare, and this holds true for Hypercalcemia
  as well. Consider prevention as constructing a
  protective barrier around a garden, effectively
  excluding undesirable elements, and fostering
  optimal growth within.
• Let us delve into strategies for controlling and
  reducing the impact of Hypercalcemia on your
  overall well-being.
• Monitor Calcium Intake
• Calcium plays a crucial role in maintaining
  optimal health, as it is essential for various
  physiological processes. It is important to
  ensure that calcium intake is within the
  appropriate range to support bodily functions
  effectively.
• Lets explore more Hypercalcemia A Complete
  Guide! - Southlake General Surgery

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Appointment

• For more information on Hypercalcemia A
  Complete Guide or to book an appointment with
  Dr. Valeria Simone MD, please contact our
  healthcare expert today at 1 [phone]. You
  can also make an online appointment with us.
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• Source Hypercalcemia A Complete Guide! -
  Southlake General Surgery

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THANK YOU!
SOUTHLAKE GENERAL SURGERY
1545 E. Southlake Blvd, Suite 270 Southlake, TX
76092
EMAIL info_at_southlakegeneralsurgery.com
VISIT US AT www.southlakegeneralsurgery.com