High Blood Calcium
High blood calcium, also called hypercalcemia, means that there is too much
calcium in the blood. Most of the calcium in a person’s body is in the bones
and teeth. Some calcium in blood helps the body to work right. Too much
calcium in the blood affects the nerves, digestive tract, heart and kidneys.
Signs
Some people with high blood calcium have signs, while others do not. Signs
of high blood calcium include:
• Muscle weakness
• Poor appetite, weight loss
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Feeling tired
• Increased urine output
• Confusion, behavior changes or loss of memory
• Loss of interest in work or decreased attention span
• Pain in lower back or sides, often caused by kidney stones
• Bones become fragile and can break
Causes
The most common causes of high blood calcium are:
• Lack of activity or exercise
• Over active gland that controls how much calcium your body needs
• Cancer in the bone or blood
• Renal failure
• Taking large amounts of Vitamins A, D and calcium
• Some medicines
Your Care
To treat high blood calcium and prevent more loss of calcium from your
bones, your doctor may ask you to do one or more of these:
• Drink 3-4 quarts or 3-4 liters of liquids each day.
• Take your medicine as ordered.