Hypercalcemia (Elevated Calcium Levels) (cont.)

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Signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia in most patients are minimal; however, as the level of calcium increases, the symptoms will be more pronounced. Acute (rapid) increases in calcium levels will cause more severe symptoms. For example, with dramatically elevated calcium, abnormal electrical impulses in the heart and arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) can occur. In fact, there is a specific pattern on electrocardiogram (EKG) associated with high levels of calcium.

Because of the clinical findings seen in hypercalcemia, the symptoms are often described as "moans, stones, groans, and bones."

Some of the symptoms of hypercalcemia include the following:

• abdominal pain
• constipation
• decreased appetite
• nausea
• peptic ulcer disease
• vomiting

• flank pain
• frequent urination
• kidney stones

• confusion
• dementia
• depression
• memory loss

• bone aches and pains
• curving of the spine and loss of height
• fractures

Extreme elevations in calcium levels may cause coma.

Any family history of hypercalcemia should be brought to your physician's attention. If there is an underlying condition that causes high calcium levels (such as those mentioned above), calcium levels should be checked, particular if symptoms are occurring.

If any of the above signs or symptoms occur, but without a known cause, the possibility of hypercalcemia should be discussed with your health care practitioner.

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