Hypercalcemia
(Elevated Calcium Levels)
Ruchi Mathur, MD, FRCP(C)
Ruchi Mathur, MD, FRCP(C) is an Attending Physician with the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and Associate Director of Clinical Research, Recruitment and Phenotyping with the Center for Androgen Related Disorders, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
- Hypercalcemia Introduction
- What are the causes of hypercalcemia?
- What are the signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia?
- How is hypercalcemia diagnosed?
- How is hypercalcemia treated?
- What is the prognosis for hypercalcemia?
- Can hypercalcemia be prevented?
- Hypercalcemia At A Glance
- Related hypercalcemia article:
Hypercalcemia (Elevated Calcium Levels) - on eMedicineHealth - Patient Comments: Hypercalcemia - Experience
- Patient Comments: Hypercalcemia - Describe Your Experience
Hypercalcemia Introduction
Calcium is a mineral that is important in the regulation and processes of many body functions including bone formation, hormone release, muscle contraction, and nerve and brain function. Hypercalcemia is the term that refers to elevated levels of calcium in the bloodstream.
Regulation of Calcium
Calcium levels are tightly regulated in the body. Calcium regulation is primarily controlled by parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, and calcitonin.
- Parathyroid hormone is a
hormone produced by the parathyroid glands, which are four small glands that
surround the thyroid and are found
in the anterior part of the lower neck.
- Vitamin D is obtained through a process that begins with sun exposure
to the skin, the process then continues in the
liver and kidneys. Vitamin D can also
be found in foods such as eggs and dairy products.
- Calcitonin is produced in specialized cells in the thyroid gland.
Together, these three hormones act on the bones, the kidneys, and the GI tract to regulate calcium levels in the bloodstream.
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