Doctor's Notes on Hypercalcemia
(Elevated Calcium Levels)
Hypercalcemia is a condition in which levels of calcium in the body are elevated above what is considered normal.
Signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia are minor in most patients but as calcium levels increase, symptoms become more pronounced. Symptoms of hypercalcemia (elevated calcium levels) are often described as "moans, stones, groans, and bones." “Moans” symptoms of hypercalcemia refer to gastrointestinal conditions including abdominal pain, constipation, decreased appetite, nausea, peptic ulcer disease, and vomiting. “Stones” symptoms of hypercalcemia refer to kidney-related conditions and include flank pain, frequent urination, and kidney stones. “Groans” symptoms of hypercalcemia refer to psychological conditions and include confusion, dementia, depression, and memory loss. “Bones” symptoms of hypercalcemia refer to bone pain and bone-related conditions including bone aches and pains, curving of the spine and loss of height, and fractures. Extreme elevations in calcium levels may cause coma.
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REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.