Hypercalcemia Research Paper

Hypercalcemia is the term used when the blood calcium levels are higher than normal. Calcium is an important mineral for the body. Ninety-nine percent of the calcium is stored in the bones and about one percent circulates in the blood. Calcium is crucial for bone formation and also for the brain, the nerves, and the muscles to function properly. When calcium levels are too high or too low it causes problems in many parts of the body. The causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of hypercalcemia will all be addressed here.

The word hypercalcemia literally means too much calcium in the blood. That is the simple definition. The reality of diagnosing and treating hypercalcemia is much more complicated. There are many possible causes for hypercalcemia, so the diagnosis and treatment, of not just the elevated calcium, but also the disorder that caused it can be a critical challenge. Twenty to forty percent of cancer patients will develop hypercalcemia at some point. About fifty thousand new cases of hypercalcemia due to parathyroid disfunction are also diagnosed each year. Left untreated, hypercalcemia can cause havoc with many organ systems. It can cause osteoporosis, bone fractures and spinal column curvature in the skeletal system. In the renal system it can cause kidney stones and kidney failure. In the cardio-vascular systems it can interfere
Staying hydrated will prevent dehydration related cases. A general healthy lifestyle and diet can boost the immune system and may help prevent some of the diseases that can cause elevated calcium. Patients taking medication that is known to elevate calcium levels, and those diagnosed with conditions that cause hypercalcemia can be monitered with routine blood testing. In some instances these patients can be treated before the elevated calcium levels become