Laboratory investigations (1) - increased level of calcium in the blood. What to do if calcium in the blood is high

- one of the essential trace elements for the human body. Its normal level in the blood is required for the proper functioning of many internal organs. In some cases, there may be a lack of calcium, in others - an excess of a substance in the body.

In today's material, we will talk about the second phenomenon, considering the essence of hypercalcemia, its symptoms and danger in more detail. Interesting? Then be sure to read the article below to the end.

As mentioned above, calcium is one of the most important trace elements for the human body. Numerous Scientific research proved that this substance is a kind of building material for the internal organs of a person and is involved in most biochemical processes at the cellular level.

The main value of calcium for the body is the formation and development of the skeleton with the maturation of a person, as well as maintaining its normal state throughout life. In addition to its integral participation in the creation of bones, the substance also stimulates the growth of dental tissue, nails and hairline.

Applied, but no less important functions of calcium in the body are considered to be:

1. normalization of the general metabolism
2. allergy prevention
3. stabilization of the cardiovascular structures
4. fight against inflammatory processes
5. regulation of the central nervous system
6. participation in reactions preceding blood clotting
7. activation of the production of hormonal substances and enzymes
8. normalization of the psycho-emotional background of a person

The importance of calcium for the human body simply cannot be underestimated. In the early stages of a person's life, an excess or deficiency of a substance can provoke irreparable anomalies in the development of the skeleton, and at an older age - the development of the most dangerous pathologies.

Given this, all people are simply obliged to periodically check the level of calcium in the blood and, if necessary, normalize it. Otherwise, there will always be risks of the appearance of diseases of unknown origin.

Causes of hypercalcemia

The phenomenon of a stable increase in calcium in human blood is called "hypercalcemia". This condition of a person is rightfully considered pathological, therefore, it is unacceptable to ignore its presence. Initially, pathology can be determined by indirect signs of its manifestation, expressed in violation of the work of some body systems. However, to organize therapy and accurately confirm the diagnosis, biochemical blood tests are simply indispensable.

Calcium in the human body can be both in free form and in combination with other substances. In the process of examining patients, doctors take into account both types of calcium and determine the following norms for them:

• no more than 2.6 mmol per liter for total calcium (a substance that is in combination with other trace elements)
• no more than 1.3 mmol per liter for free calcium

Directly the degree of hypercalcemia is usually determined by the content of the free element in the blood. With a slight excess of the calcium level - no more than 2 mmol per liter, with an average - 2.5 mmol per liter, with a severe one - in an amount of 3 mmol per liter.

The cause of the development of hypercalcemia can be many factors that are expressed in the malfunctioning of a particular body system. Often the cause of the pathology is:

• malfunctions
• kidney problems
• cardiovascular pathologies
• diseases of a neurological nature
• oncological diseases of internal organs

In addition, it can provoke an increase in calcium in the blood long-term use certain drugs. An excess of "calcium" food in the diet rarely causes hypercalcemia. It is possible to finally identify the root cause of the problem only within the walls of the clinic by implementing specialized examinations. Given this, any person who detects hypercalcemia should not hesitate to contact a doctor, otherwise the appearance of complications of existing pathologies will only be a matter of time.

The main symptoms of an increased trace element

With the maximum guarantee, diagnosing hypercalcemia is possible only in the hospital, if you pass a certain set of examinations. Solely by the symptoms of the problem, its presence can only be suspected, but not diagnosed.

Typical signs of elevated calcium in the blood are as follows:

• increased headaches and dizziness
• increased dryness and other skin problems
• development of dental caries
• nail damage
• brittleness or excessive hair loss
• bone problems (for example, a violation of their density)
• increased weakness and decreased performance
• causeless convulsions
• prolonged bleeding from wounds or lesions of the gums, indicating problems with blood clotting
• manifestations of various cardiovascular pathologies
• vomiting and nausea
• frequent constipation and pain in the gastrointestinal tract
• kidney problems

The more complex the considered symptoms appear, the higher the risk that a person develops hypercalcemia. Its manifestations should not be ignored. It is not difficult to determine the exact cause of the problem in the conditions of modern medicine, so it is pointless to be afraid of visiting the clinic.

Possible complications of the problem

Hypercalcemia is one of the main factors in the accelerated leaching of calcium from the bone tissue of the human body. The development of such a condition is extremely dangerous for any person, as it provokes malfunctions in the work of many internal organs.

At first, hypercalcemia will not manifest itself clearly, proceeding in its acute form, however, with the transition of the disease to a chronic formation, the first complications should be expected.

Typical consequences of a long-term and untreated pathology are as follows:

1. cardiovascular pathologies (especially frequent cases with impaired heart rate in patients with hypercalcemia)
2. kidney problems, usually
3. development of chronic seizures and their associated complications
4. exacerbation of chronic diseases of the body
5. malfunction of internal organs (liver, brain, etc.)

In especially severe cases, hypercalcemia can provoke coma or death due to cardiac arrest in the patient. Taking into account so high danger an excess of calcium in the body, you should respond to it adequately and promptly eliminate the problem.

Medication to lower calcium levels

It is possible to start a profile decrease in the level of calcium in the blood only if its excess is confirmed by appropriate studies in the clinic. Under no circumstances should hypercalcemia detected solely on the basis of symptoms be treated. Such an approach not only will not give results, but can also cause complications of existing problems.

It is possible to reduce the level of calcium in the body if the root cause of its increase is known. By eliminating it and removing excess substances from the body, a person will be able to return to his usual standard of living. In the vast majority of cases, hypercalcemia is eliminated with the help of ordinary medicines. The list of required drugs is determined only by a professional doctor, who bases his choice on the examinations conducted by the patient.

As a rule, the drug course is based on the intake of:

• Means that can eliminate the root cause of an increased level of calcium in the blood (hormonal, cardiovascular and other types of medicines).
• Diuretic drugs that accelerate the removal of excess minerals from the body.

Medicines from the diuretic group should not be potent, since the expediency in taking them is usually small. Strong diuretics are used only according to the doctor's profile appointments and in the absence of kidney or heart problems in the patient.

Note! The above tactics for the treatment of hypercalcemia is used in cases where an increase in free calcium in the blood is observed in the range of up to 2.9 mmol per liter. If the mineral level is more than 3 mmol per liter, hospitalization of the patient and monitoring of such in the hospital is required. Otherwise, the risks of developing the most dangerous complications are high.

Traditional medicine for hypercalcemia

Folk remedies for hypercalcemia cannot act as the basis of therapy, since even the most effective of them are simply not able to compete with medications in terms of effect. With this in mind, use the techniques traditional medicine should be used solely as an aid to the main course of therapy.

It is of paramount importance to take care of the three pillars of the treatment of hypercalcemia, namely:

1. Consumption of large amounts of water for the period of getting rid of an excess of calcium in the body. The main requirement is low water hardness, since when it high rate the mineral will only enter the body, but not be excreted. It is better not to use tap water in its pure form. Optimal solution- tested purchased water or purified by a filter. To enhance the effectiveness of the main course of medicines, it is enough to drink 2 to 3 liters of water daily.
2. Nutrition correction, which consists in the exclusion of calcium-rich foods from the diet. Such an adjustment is required only for the duration of therapy for hypercalcemia. You can find out about the mineral content in a particular food in special product guides. At a minimum, you should not abuse dairy products, herbs and cheeses.
3. Stabilization hormonal background due to systematic physical activity, rejection of bad habits and normalization of sleep. Probably, it is not necessary to talk about the importance of a proper lifestyle for the period of treatment of the disease. Here everything is so very clear.

As for specific folk remedies, diuretic decoctions will be most effective with an overabundance. It is not necessary to abuse such drugs, especially with the systematic use of diuretics. The normal dosage of decoctions, which enhances the effect of drugs, is equal to a third of a glass of the finished product 2-3 times a day.

More information about the trace element and its functions can be found in the video:

Decoctions made from:

• rose hips (2-3 tablespoons per 1 liter of water)
• peppermint and lingonberries (4 tablespoons of plants per 1 liter of water)
• bearberry herbs and fennel seeds (2.5 tablespoons of plants per 1 liter of water)

Nettle leaves, parsley and similar greens should not be added to the marked herbs, as it contains more calcium and neutralizes the effect of taking ready-made decoctions.

Perhaps on this note the most important information for the treatment of hypercalcemia has come to an end. As you can see, normalize increased calcium in the blood is not so difficult. The main thing is a competent approach and timely organized treatment. We hope that the presented material was useful for you and gave answers to your questions. Health to you and successful therapy of all diseases!

But if the results of your tests showed increased calcium in the blood, what does this mean and the causes of this phenomenon? How dangerous is it for your body? Let's try to understand this issue.

The role of calcium in the body and the norm of its content

Almost all calcium in the human body is in a solid state. A bone frame, teeth, nails and even hair are built from it. The blood of a healthy person contains no more than 1% of the total amount of calcium, while half of it is in an inactive state, since it is associated with proteins, and only about 0.5% of calcium is in an active ionized form. Since the body for its needs can only use the calcium that is in a free, unbound state, and a certain part of this calcium is regularly excreted by the excretory organs, a person must consume at least 1 g of this important mineral daily to maintain the necessary balance. If all body systems are working normally, total blood calcium should normally not exceed 2.55 mmol/L (10.3 mg/dL). A condition in which there is an excess concentration of calcium in the blood is called hypercalcemia.

Increased calcium in the blood what does it mean and causes

How can hypercalcemia threaten your body? Well, first, let's try to figure out why it occurs at all. There are several main reasons for this phenomenon. The first of them is the development of osteoporosis, when calcium begins to be intensively washed out of the bone tissue. Most often, this disease begins to develop in women after menopause. In addition, increased calcium in the blood may indicate the presence of other diseases in the body. Among them:

• good and malignant neoplasms parathyroid glands;
• malignant tumors (with metastasis of cancer of the lungs, breast, kidneys; cancer of the thyroid gland, ovaries, uterus);
• hemoblastoses (leukemias, lymphomas, hematosarcomas) – neoplastic diseases hematopoietic and lymphatic tissue;
• thyrotoxicosis;
• insufficiency of adrenal function;
• kidney disease, acute renal failure;
• sarcoidosis;
• idiopathic hypercalcemia (more often develops in children of the first year of life between the 5th and 8th month);
• Williams disease;
• hereditary hypercalcemia;
• hypercalcemia due to immobilization in injuries and diseases.

Also, an excess of vitamin D in the body or an overdose of certain medications can lead to an increase in calcium levels.

Since calcium in the body is involved in many processes occurring here, a blood test for calcium is important. diagnostic value. Most often it is carried out with suspicion of the following diseases:

• hyperthyroidism - disruption of the endocrine glands;
• cardiac arrhythmia and other diseases associated with the cardiovascular system;
• urolithiasis disease;
• ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract;
• excessive excretion of urine from the body - polyuria;
• convulsions;
• muscle hypotension;
• malignant neoplasms of various organs.

What to do if you have high blood calcium

It should not be thought that elevated level calcium is dangerous only because it is a symptom of some disease. Of course, hypercalcemia is in itself a sufficient reason to undergo an additional examination. But in itself, this condition, if left untreated, can lead to very unpleasant consequences. On the initial stage there are no pronounced signs in order to consult a doctor with suspicion of elevated calcium. However, if hypercalcemia is already at a certain stage, the following symptoms can be noticed:

• loss of appetite;
• constipation;
• regular nausea;
• excessive excretion of urine;
• pain in the abdomen.

Severe forms of hypercalcemia can lead to confusion, hallucinations; emotional disorders, delirium, disturbances in the work of the heart. Even death is possible.

But, as a rule, in the vast majority of cases, elevated calcium is detected only after a blood test. That is why it is so important to undergo regular medical examinations, especially if you are already 45 years old. You should not try to decipher your blood test on your own, and even more so, make a diagnosis yourself - this should be done by an experienced endocrinologist. First of all, you should find out what exactly caused the increased calcium in the blood, whether it is primary or secondary hyperthyroidism, only after that you can decide how exactly to reduce the level of calcium. If you have taken any drugs on your own, for example, multivitamins containing vitamin D and A, lithium preparations, diuretics, especially based on thiazide, be sure to tell your doctor about this - this will make it easier for him to make a diagnosis, which in case of increased calcium in the blood often turns out to be a very difficult task.

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Calcium: role, blood content, ionized and total, causes of increase and decrease

Calcium in the body is an intracellular cation (Ca 2+), a macroelement, which in its quantity noticeably exceeds the content of many other chemical elements, providing a wide range of physiological functional tasks.

Calcium in the blood is only 1% of the total concentration of the element in the body. The bulk (up to 99%) is taken over by bones and tooth enamel, where calcium, along with phosphorus, is present in the composition of the mineral, hydroxyapatite - Ca 10 (PO 4) 6 (OH) 2.

The norm of calcium in the blood is from 2.0 to 2.8 mmol / l (according to a number of sources from 2.15 to 2.5 mmol / l). Ionized Ca is half as much - from 1.1 to 1.4 mmol / l. Every day (per day) through the kidneys of a person who does not notice any diseases, from 0.1 to 0.4 grams of this chemical element is excreted.

calcium in the blood

Calcium in the blood is an important laboratory indicator. And the reason for this is the number of tasks solved by this chemical element, because in the body it really performs many physiological functions:

• Takes part in muscle contraction;
• Along with magnesium, it “takes care” of the health of the nervous system (participates in signal transmission), as well as blood vessels and the heart (regulates heart rate);
• Activates the work of many enzymes, takes part in the metabolism of iron;
• Together with phosphorus, it strengthens the skeletal system, ensures the strength of the teeth;
• Affects cell membranes, regulating their permeability;
• Without Ca ions, there is no reaction of blood coagulation and clot formation (prothrombin → thrombin);
• Activates the activity of certain enzymes and hormones;
• Normalizes the functional ability of individual glands internal secretion, for example, the parathyroid gland;
• Influences the process of intercellular information exchange (cellular reception);
• Promotes better sleep, improves overall health.

However, it should be noted that calcium does all this, provided it normal content in the body. However, the tables will probably tell you better about the rate of calcium in the blood and its consumption depending on age:

The rate of calcium intake per day depends on age, gender and body condition:

Elevated plasma calcium creates a state of hypercalcemia, in which blood phosphorus levels fall, and a low level leads to the development of hypocalcemia, accompanied by an increase in phosphate concentration. Both of those are bad.

The consequences arising from these states are reflected in the work of many vital systems, because this element has many functions. The reader will learn about the troubles that await a person with a decrease or increase in calcium a little later, after he gets acquainted with the mechanisms of Ca regulation in the body.

How is calcium levels regulated?

The concentration of calcium in the blood directly depends on its metabolism in the bones, absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and reabsorption in the kidneys. Other chemical elements (magnesium, phosphorus), as well as individual biologically active compounds (hormones of the adrenal cortex, thyroid and parathyroid glands, sex hormones, the active form of vitamin D 3), regulate the constancy of Ca in the body, but the most important of them are:

regulation of calcium in the body

1. Parathyroid hormone or parathormone, which is intensively synthesized by the parathyroid glands in conditions of an increased amount of phosphorus, and by its effect on bone tissue (destroys it), the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys, increases the content of the element in the serum;
2. Calcitonin - its action is opposite to parathyroid hormone, but not antagonistic to it ( different points applications). Calcitonin reduces the level of Ca in plasma, moving it from the blood to the bone tissue;
3. Formed in the kidneys, the active form of vitamin D 3 or a hormone called calcitriol has the task of increasing absorption of the element in the intestines.

It should be noted that calcium in the blood is located in the form of three forms that are in equilibrium (dynamic) with each other:

• Free or ionized calcium (calcium ions - Ca 2+) - it takes a share approaching%;
• Ca, associated with protein, most often with albumin - it is about 35 - 38% in serum;
• Complexed calcium, it is about 10% in the blood and it stays there in the form of calcium salts - compounds of the element with low molecular weight anions (phosphate - Ca 3 (PO 4) 2, bicarbonate - Ca (HCO 3), citrate - Ca 3 (C 6 H 5 O 7) 2, lactate - 2 (C 3 H 5 O 3) Ca).

Total Ca in blood serum is the total content of all its types: ionized + bound forms. Meanwhile, metabolic activity is characteristic only of ionized calcium, which in the blood is slightly more (or slightly less) than half. And only this form (free Ca) can be used by the body for its physiological needs. But this does not mean that in the laboratory, in order to correctly assess calcium metabolism, it is necessary to analyze ionized calcium, which presents certain difficulties in transporting and storing blood samples.

In such cases, but under the condition of normal protein metabolism, it is enough to perform an easier and less laborious study - the determination of total calcium in the blood, which is a good indicator of the concentration of the ionized and bound element (≈55% - free Ca).

At the same time, with a reduced content of protein (primarily albumin), although there may be no signs of a decrease in the amount of Ca in plasma, it will be necessary to use a technique for measuring ionized calcium, since it, being within the limits normal values, takes care of maintaining the overall level of the element in the normal range and prevents the development of hypocalcemia. In this case, only the content of bound Ca will be lowered - this point should be taken into account when deciphering a blood test.

Low levels of albumin in patients burdened with a burden of chronic diseases (renal and cardiac pathology) is the most common cause of a decrease in serum Ca levels. In addition, the concentration of this element decreases with insufficient intake from food or during pregnancy - and in these two cases, albumin in the blood, as a rule, is also low.

Normal values ​​of total and free calcium in the blood, most likely, will indicate the absence of any pathological changes in calcium metabolism.

exchange of calcium and other electrolytes in the body

Causes of high calcium

An increase in the level of calcium (meaning the total content of the element in the blood) is called hypercalcemia. Among the reasons for the development of this condition, clinicians distinguish primarily two main ones. It:

1. Hyperparathyroidism, accompanied by an increase in the parathyroid glands as a result of the emergence of benign tumors in this region;
2. The development of malignant oncological processes that form a state of hypercalcemia.

Tumor formations begin to actively secrete a substance that, in its own way, biological properties similar to parathyroid hormone - this leads to damage to the bones and the release of the element into the bloodstream.

Of course, there are other causes of hypercalcemia, for example:

• Increasing the functional abilities of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism);
• Violation of the function of the adrenal cortex (increased secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) - Itsenko-Cushing's disease, decreased synthesis of cortisol - Addison's disease) or the pituitary gland (excess production growth hormone(STG) - acromegaly, gigantism);
• Sarcoidosis (Beck's disease) - although this pathology does not affect the bones so often, it can cause hypercalcemia;
• Tuberculous process affecting the skeletal system (extrapulmonary tbs);
• Forced immobility for a long time;
• Excessive intake of vitamin D (as a rule, this applies to children) in the body, which creates conditions for the absorption of Ca into the blood and prevents the removal of the element through the kidneys;
• Various hematological pathologies (diseases of the lymphatic tissue - lymphomas, a malignant tumor of plasma cells - myeloma, neoplastic diseases of the hematopoietic system - leukemia, including hemoblastoses - erythremia or true polycythemia);

When is calcium low?

The most common reason low content an element in the blood - hypocalcemia, doctors call a decrease in the level of proteins and, first of all, albumin. In this case (as mentioned above), only the amount of bound Ca decreases, while ionized Ca does not leave the normal range and due to this, calcium metabolism continues to go on as usual (it is regulated by parathyroid hormone and calcitonin).

For other reasons causing development hypocalcemia include:

1. Decreased functional abilities of the parathyroid glands (hypoparathyroidism) and production of parathyroid hormone into the bloodstream;
2. Inadvertent removal of the parathyroid glands during surgery on the thyroid gland or the synthesis of parathyroid hormone is reduced as a result of other circumstances (surgery due to aplasia of the parathyroid glands or autoimmunization);
3. Vitamin D deficiency;
4. CRF (chronic renal failure) and other kidney diseases (nephritis);
5. Rickets and rachitogenic tetany (spasmophilia) in children;
6. Magnesium (Mg) deficiency in the body (hypomagnesemia);
7. Congenital lack of response to the effects of parathyroid hormone, immunity to its influence (parathyroid hormone in such a situation loses its ability to provide the proper effect);
8. Insufficient intake of Ca with food;
9. Increased phosphate levels in the blood;
10. diarrhea
11. Cirrhosis of the liver;
12. Osteoblastic metastases, which take all the calcium, which then ensures the growth of the tumor in the bones;
13. Osteomalacia (insufficient mineralization of the bones and their softening as a result of this);
14. Hyperplasia (excessive tissue growth) of the adrenal glands (more often the cortex than the medulla);
15. The effect of drugs intended for the treatment of epilepsy;
16. Acute alkalosis;
17. Hemotransfusion of large volumes of blood prepared with a preservative that contains citrate (the latter binds calcium ions in plasma);
18. An acute inflammatory process localized in the pancreas (acute pancreatitis), sprue (a disease of the small intestine that disrupts the absorption of food), alcoholism - all these pathological conditions prevent the normal production of enzymes and substrates, from which the absorption in the gastrointestinal tract of substances so necessary to ensure some types of metabolism.

Symptoms that make you think about violations

This blood test is also prescribed to healthy people in order to preliminary determine the state of calcium metabolism, for example, during a routine medical examination. However, here I would like to remind the reader once again that we are talking about the level of calcium in the blood. What happens in the bones - one can only guess and guess.

Often such a test is used for diagnostic purposes. Say, how not to conduct a laboratory study, if the symptoms of pathological changes in the body declare themselves?

Here, for example, with increased calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), patients note that:

• Lost appetite;
• Several times a day nausea sets in, sometimes it comes to vomiting;
• There were problems with the stool (constipation);
• In the abdomen - discomfort and pain;
• You have to get up at night because frequent urges urination is not allowed to sleep peacefully;
• Always thirsty;
• Bones hurt, headaches often torment;
• The body quickly gets tired, even the minimum load turns into weakness and a sharp decrease in efficiency;
• Life becomes gray, nothing pleases and does not interest (apathy).

You can think about a decrease in the content of Ca in the blood serum - hypocalcemia, if there are such signs of ill health:

1. Cramping and pain in the abdomen;
2. Trembling of the fingers of the upper limbs;
3. Tingling, numbness of the face (around the lips), spasms of facial muscles;
4. Violation of the heart rhythm;
5. Painful muscle contractions, especially in the hands and feet (carpopedal spasm).

And even if a person does not have any symptoms indicating a change in calcium metabolism, but the results obtained were far from normal, then in order to dispel all doubts, the patient is prescribed additional tests:

• Ionized Ca;
• The content of the element in the urine;
• The amount of phosphorus, since its metabolism is inextricably linked with calcium metabolism;
• Magnesium concentration;
• Vitamin D;
• Parathyroid hormone level.

In other cases, the quantitative values ​​of these substances may be less important than their ratio, which may reveal the cause of the abnormal Ca content in the blood (either it is not enough in food, or it is excessively excreted in the urine).

Purposefully determine the level of calcium in the blood of patients with kidney problems (ARF and CRF, tumor, kidney transplant), multiple myeloma or ECG changes (shortened ST segment), as well as in the diagnosis and treatment of malignant processes localized in the thyroid and mammary glands, lungs, brain, throat.

What is useful to know for everyone who is going to take a test for Ca

In newborns after 4 days of life, a physiological increase in calcium in the blood is sometimes observed, which, by the way, also happens in premature babies. In addition, some adults respond with an increase in the level of this chemical element in the serum and the development of hypercalcemia on therapy with individual drugs. These drugs include:

1. Antacids;
2. Pharmaceutical forms of hormones (androgens, progesterone, parathyroid hormone);
3. Vitamins A, D 2 (ergocalciferol), D 3;
4. An estrogen antagonist - tamoxifen;
5. Preparations containing lithium salts.

Others medications, on the contrary, can reduce the concentration of calcium in the plasma and create a state of hypocalcemia:

• Calcitonin;
• Gentamicin;
• anticonvulsant medicines;
• Glucocorticosteroids;
• magnesium salts;
• Laxatives.

In addition, on final values research can be influenced by other factors:

1. Hemolyzed serum (you can’t work with it, so the blood will have to be retaken);
2. Falsely high test results due to dehydration or high levels of plasma proteins;
3. False-low test results due to hypervolemia (blood is highly diluted), which could be created by large volumes injected into the vein isotonic solution(0.9% NaCl).

And here's something else that does not hurt people who are interested in calcium metabolism to know:

• In children who have just been born, and especially in those who were born prematurely and with low weight, blood is taken every day for the content of ionized calcium. This is done in order not to miss hypocalcemia, because it can quickly form and not show any symptoms if the baby's parathyroid glands have not had time to complete their development;
• The content of Ca in serum and urine cannot be taken as evidence of the total concentration of the element in bone tissue. To determine its level in the bones, one should resort to other research methods - analysis of bone mineral density (densitometry);
• Ca levels in the blood tend to be higher in childhood, while during pregnancy and in the elderly they decrease;
• The concentration of the total amount of the element (free + bound) in plasma increases if the content of albumin increases and falls down if the level of this protein decreases. The concentration of albumin has absolutely no effect on the amount of ionized calcium - the free form (Ca ions) remains unchanged.

When going for analysis, the patient must remember that one should refrain from eating for half a day (12 hours) before the test, and also avoid heavy physical exertion for half an hour before the study, do not be nervous and do not smoke.

When One Technique Isn't Enough

When there are changes in the concentration of the described chemical element in the blood serum and there are signs of impaired Ca metabolism, the study of the activity of calcium ions with the help of special ion-selective electrodes is of particular importance. However, it should be noted that the level of ionized Ca is usually measured at strict pH values ​​(pH = 7.40).

Calcium can also be determined in the urine. This analysis will show how much or little the element is excreted through the kidneys. Or its excretion is within normal limits. The amount of calcium in the urine is examined if abnormal Ca concentrations from the norm were initially detected in the blood.

Why is high blood calcium dangerous?

To date, scientists have been able to identify a lot of conditions that can cause hypercalcemia - an increase in the level of calcium in the blood. The reasons for this condition are still under investigation. This deviation is often asymptomatic, therefore, as a rule, it is detected after passing the tests.

Taking into account the physiology of calcium metabolism, the main reason why the level of calcium concentration can increase is its increased mobilization from bone tissues as a result of osteoresorption processes occurring in the body. Also, the cause of hypercalcemia (ionized and the total level of the element is increased) can be calcium absorption in intestinal department or its excessive reabsorption by the kidneys.

Symptoms of high blood calcium

One of the main reasons for this condition, the doctor usually finds out when taking an anamnesis - for example, the patient's diet contains too much calcium-containing foods, or the patient takes pharmacological agents containing a high concentration of calcium. However, the most effective and surest method to find out if a person really has increased calcium is general analysis blood. When diagnosing, two types of calcium are observed - ionized and total.

The most common symptoms of hypercalcemia from the gastrointestinal tract:

If there is an increased content of this element in the blood, then dehydration may occur. Symptoms of this condition usually have a pronounced character - dizziness, loss of consciousness, weight loss.

• weakness;
• emotional instability;
• hallucinations;
• confusion;
• delusional states;
• coma.

You can also note such symptoms as heart rhythm disturbance, tachycardia. In advanced cases, death occurs.

There is also a condition in which the Ca content in the patient's blood is constantly elevated - this is chronic hypercalcemia. In this case, stones begin to form in the kidneys, which contain calcium. Symptoms - severe pain in the lumbar region, edema, urinary retention.

Main

In 80 percent of cases, high calcium levels are caused by a disease such as primary hyperparathyroidism. In turn, this disease is observed in 50 percent of people who suffer from cancer. Most often, hyperparathyroidism occurs in women who have reached the menopause period.

The disease can occur as a result of prolonged stimulation of the parathyroid glands by a decrease in calcium in the blood. Therefore, for this disease, which in most cases is associated with renal failure (often chronically occurring), it will not be characterized by an increased calcium content, but by normo- or hypocalcemia.

The most common reasons why hypercalcemia can develop are:

• primary, tertiary, isolated hyperparathyroidism;
• Hodgkin's lymphoma, Burkit;
• among women, breast cancer;
• tuberculosis;
• malignant neoplasm of the lungs;
• myeloma;
• hypernephroma;
• granulomatosis;
• squamous cell carcinoma;
• sarcoidosis;
• diseases associated with dysfunction of the thyroid gland, symptoms - hormonal disorders;
• the level of vitamin A and D is increased;
• alkaline milk syndrome can be one of the reasons why the calcium content in the blood is increased;
• excess prolactin and somatotropin;
• malignant tumors;
• immobilization.

All of the above causes in some cases can be combined, so let's consider the causes and symptoms of increased calcium in the blood in more detail.

Hematological tumor diseases

Lymphosarcoma, myeloma, lymphoma affect bone tissue, resulting in the production of cytokines. They, in turn, stimulate osteoclasts, thus causing resorption of bone tissue, and contribute to the formation of diffuse osteopenia and osteolytic transformations.

Malignant neoplasms

An increased level of this element in 50 percent of cases calls for neoplasms of the mammary glands, with the presence of metastases in the bones. Such patients are prone to osteoresorption as a result of local synthesis of prostaglandins or destruction of bone tissue.

Such metastases, as a rule, can be detected after special examinations - scintigraphy or X-rays. The level of examinations should be on top, as well as the specialization of the doctor.

In some cases, elevated calcium levels also occur in patients who have malignant neoplasms that are not accompanied by tissue metastasis. This condition can occur in people who are prone to squamous cell carcinoma, ovarian or breast cancer. Thanks to recent studies, it was possible to find out that neoplasms that are malignant in nature can, in very rare cases, produce parathyroid hormone.

Sarcoidosis

This disease can cause an increase in calcium in the blood in 20 percent of cases, and with hypercalciuria - in 40 percent. These symptoms have also been described by specialists in other granulomatous diseases - for example, tuberculosis, coccidioidomycosis, berylliosis, etc.

Diseases associated with the endocrine system

Ionized elevated calcium can be observed with acromegaly, thyrotoxicosis, pheochromocytoma, excess prolactin, hypocorticism, etc. The reasons for such conditions are that the lack of certain hormones leads to the fact that the process of mineralization is reduced, and some hormones are able to stimulate the activity of osteoclasts, which causes increased calcium.

The use of certain pharmacological drugs

Thiazide diuretics can increase calcium reabsorption, that is, both ionized and total calcium in the blood increase.

The impact on the body of lithium preparations has not yet been fully studied. Many experts argue that lithium has the ability to interact with receptors, gradually reducing their sensitivity, causing hyperplasia and hypertrophy with regular use.

If the reasons why total calcium is elevated are not established, in this case, doctors recommend temporarily refraining from using lithium-based drugs. Another established fact: lithium can lower the activity of thyroid cells, which leads to hypothyroidism. This condition can also involve hormonal mechanisms for increasing calcium in the blood.

Milk Alkaline Syndrome

It occurs in people who seek to eliminate the symptoms of ulcers and gastritis by using alkalized drugs, or by eating excessively large amounts of cow's milk. In this case, the high content of calcium in the blood is reversible. If it is this factor that causes such a condition, then it is worth forgetting about treating an ulcer in such ways and starting another therapy, after consulting with your doctor first.

Ionized calcium must be present in the body, however, an increase in its concentration in the blood can be accompanied by serious violations of the kidneys.

Iatrogenic causes

Ionized calcium can increase as a result of prolonged immobilization (this phenomenon means that there is no load on the skeleton at all). The content of calcium in the blood may increase already a few weeks after the indication bed rest(for example, after surgical interventions, etc.).

In a child, these conditions rarely occur; older people are more prone to an increase in calcium in the blood. Ionized calcium in the blood of infants is most often elevated as a result of genetic abnormalities.

What is the rate of calcium in the blood and why should it be controlled

Calcium in the blood is a very important indicator, since the calcium element itself in the human body performs not only the known functions of bone formation, but also takes part in cell biochemistry. For example, you began to feel muscle cramps - these are problems with calcium. There are other manifestations.

Because of its importance, a calcium blood test should be performed when needed. For example, the rate of calcium in the blood in women during pregnancy and during breastfeeding different from the usual norm - this should be controlled. The fact is that the increased content of calcium in the blood has its consequences.

Many people ask the question: increased calcium in the blood, what does this mean in an adult - is it good or bad? Moreover, in order to allegedly avoid bone fragility (especially for the older generation), they are trying by all means to increase this very calcium. But an increased indicator can also signal a disease, including cancer. This is what you should think about.

Place of calcium in the human body

However, of all this amount, only 1% of Ca is in the blood, the remaining 99% is in the bone tissue in the form of sparingly soluble hydroxyapatite crystals. Also, the composition of the crystals includes phosphorus oxide. Normally, in the body of an adult there is about 600 grams of this trace element, and 85% of phosphorus is found in the bones, along with calcium.

Hydroxyapatite crystals and collagen are the main structural components bone tissue. Ca and P make up about 65% of the total bone mass. Therefore, it is impossible to overestimate the role of these trace elements in the body.

calcium in the blood

All calcium in the blood can be divided into three types:

• ionized Ca;
• calcium, bound to albumin;
• which is part of anionic complexes (bicarbonates, phosphates).

Normally, in an adult, approximately 350 milligrams of calcium circulates in the blood, which is 8.7 mmol. The trace element concentration in mmol/l is 2.5.

About 45% of this amount is associated with albumin, up to five percent is included in anionic complexes. The rest is ionized, that is, free (Ca2+).

This is a vital part of the total amount of the microelement in the body, contained in all cells (to measure the concentration in cells, units of nmol / l are used). It is important to remember that the calcium concentration in cells directly depends on the Ca concentration in the extracellular fluid.

Functions of Ca in the body

Ionized calcium in the blood acts as a cofactor necessary for the full functioning of the enzymes involved in maintaining the hemostasis system (that is, calcium is involved in the blood coagulation process, facilitating the transition of prothrombin to thrombin). In addition, ionized Ca serves as the main source of calcium, which is necessary for the normal implementation of contractions. skeletal muscle and myocardium, conducting nerve impulses etc.

Calcium in the blood is involved in the regulation of the nervous system, inhibits the release of histamine, normalizes sleep (calcium deficiency often leads to insomnia).

A normal level of calcium in the blood ensures the full functioning of many hormones.

Also, calcium, phosphorus and collagen are the main structural components of bone tissues (bones and teeth). Ca is actively involved in the process of mineralization of teeth and bone formation.

Calcium is able to accumulate in places of tissue damage, reduce the permeability cell membranes, regulate the functioning of the ion pump, maintain the acid-base balance of the blood, participate in the exchange of iron.

When is a calcium test performed?

It includes:

• determination of serum concentrations of Ca and P;
• determination of the plasma concentration of Ca and P;
• alkaline phosphatase activity;
• albumin concentration.

Most common causes metabolic diseases of the bones are dysfunctions involved in the regulation of plasma calcium levels of organs (parathyroid glands, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract). Diseases of these organs require mandatory control of calcium and phosphorus in the blood.

Also, calcium monitoring should be carried out in all severely ill patients, patients with oncological diseases and in premature, underweight babies.

That is, patients with:

• muscle hypotension;
• convulsions;
• violation of skin sensitivity;
• peptic ulcer;
• kidney disease, polyuria;
• oncological neoplasms;
• bone pain
• frequent fractures;
• bone deformities;
• urolithiasis;
• hyperthyroidism;
• hyperparathyroidism;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system (arrhythmias, etc.).

Also, a similar analysis is necessary for patients receiving calcium supplements, anticoagulants, bicarbonates and diuretics.

How is the level regulated?

Parathyroid hormone and calicitriol (vitamin D3), as well as calcitonin, are responsible for regulating these processes. Parathyroid hormone and vitamin D3 increase the level of calcium in the blood, while calcitonin, on the contrary, lowers it.

Due to the action of parathyroid hormone:

• an increase in plasma calcium concentration is provided;
• its leaching from bone tissue is enhanced;
• the conversion of inactive vitamin D into active calcitriol (D3) in the kidneys is stimulated;
• provides renal reabsorption of calcium and excretion of phosphorus.

There is a negative feedback between parathyroid hormone and Ca. That is, with the appearance of hypocalcemia, the secretion of parathyroid hormone is stimulated, and with hypercalcemia, its secretion, on the contrary, decreases.

Calcitonin, which is its physiological antagonist, is responsible for stimulating the utilization of calcium from the body.

The rate of calcium in the blood

The rules for preparing for analysis are general. Blood sampling is performed on an empty stomach (hunger for at least 14 hours). Excluded smoking and drinking alcohol (at least a day) Also, it is necessary to avoid physical and mental overstrain.

Drinking milk, coffee, nuts, etc. may lead to overestimated results.

Used for diagnosis deoxygenated blood. The units of measurement are mol/l.

In children up to ten days of life, the rate of calcium in the blood ranges from 1.9 to 2.6.

From ten days to two years, the norm is from 2.25 to 2.75.

From two to 12 years - from 2.2 to 2.7.

From twelve to sixty years, the norm of calcium in the blood is from 2.1 to 2.55.

From 60 to 90 years old - from 2.2 to 2.55.

In patients older than 90 years - from 2.05 to 2.4.

Causes of high calcium

• primary hyperparathyroidism (hyperplasia, carcinoma or other lesions of the parathyroid glands);
• oncological neoplasms (primary bone lesion, spread of metastases, carcinoma affecting the kidneys, ovaries, uterus, thyroid gland);
• immobilization hypercalcemia (immobilization of a limb after an injury, etc.);
• thyrotoxicosis;
• vitamin D hypervitaminosis;
• excessive intake of calcium preparations;
• acute kidney failure and long-term kidney disease;
• hereditary hypocalciuric hypercalcemia;
• blood diseases (multiple myeloma, leukemia, etc.);
• adrenal insufficiency;
• Williams syndrome;
• severe overdose of diuretics (thiazide).

When the level is low

Such changes in the analysis may be due to:

• primary (hereditary) and secondary (after surgical intervention, autoimmune lesion glands) hypoparathyroidism,
• hypoparathyroidism in newborns (associated with maternal hypoparathyroidism), hypomagnesemia (magnesium deficiency),
• deficiency of tissue receptors for parathyroid hormone (hereditary disease),
• chronic renal or hepatic insufficiency,
• hypovitaminosis of vitamin D,
• albumin deficiency (nephrotic syndrome, liver cirrhosis),
• treatment with cytostatics
• acute alkalosis.

Symptoms of calcium metabolism disorders

• pronounced weakness,
• rapid physical and emotional exhaustion,
• patients become depressed and drowsy,
• decreased appetite,
• frequent urination,
• constipation,
• pronounced thirst,
• frequent vomiting
• extrasystole,
• disorientation in space.

Hypercalcemia can lead to:

• urolithiasis and gallstone disease,
• arterial hypertension,
• calcification of blood vessels and heart valves,
• keratitis,
• cataract,
• gastroesophageal reflux,
• peptic ulcer.

A decrease in calcium in the blood is manifested by:

• spastic pain in the muscles and abdomen,
• muscle spasms,
• limb tremor,
• tetanic convulsions (spasmophilia),
• hand numbness,
• baldness,
• fragility and foliation of nails,
• severe dry skin,
• insomnia
• memory loss,
• clotting disorder,
• frequent allergies,
• osteoporosis,
• back pain,
• ischemic heart disease,
• frequent fractures.

However, it is important to understand that not all pregnant women have a calcium deficiency, so the question of whether to drink calcium during pregnancy should be decided individually, based on calcium levels in the blood.

If a woman follows a balanced diet (sufficient consumption of dairy products, greens, etc.), there are no background diseases leading to hypocalcemia, as well as normal analysis, additional reception Ca preparations are not required.

As a result, the absorption of calcium in the intestine is impaired. The disease is manifested by sweating, nape baldness, developmental delay (physical and mental), late teething, bone deformities.

Calcium deficiency is also noted in women during menopause and the elderly.

What to do if symptoms of hyper- or hypocalcemia appear

Given that a change in the level of calcium in the blood can be due to many reasons, the appointment complex treatment carried out after the establishment of the final diagnosis.

With iatrogenic deficiencies, as well as if hypocalcemia is associated with hormonal imbalance during menopause or is due to the age of the patient, drugs containing Ca are prescribed (Calcium D3 Nycomed, Vitrum Calcium).

Also, balanced multivitamin complexes containing trace elements can be prescribed (Vitrum Centuri - for patients over fifty years old, Menopace - for women in the menopausal period).

Reception of drugs should be coordinated with the attending physician. It is important to understand that uncontrolled intake of calcium supplements can lead to hypercalcemia and its accompanying complications.

Minerals along with organic compounds play important role in the construction and development of human internal systems. One of these important components is calcium.

It performs building and enzymatic functions, controls neuromuscular excitability, is a mediator for intracellular metabolism, and participates in blood clotting. Calcium is especially in demand in childhood, when the skeleton is being formed, bones are growing intensively and metabolism is active. The rate of calcium in the blood in children may differ in different age periods.

Most of it in the body is found in bone tissue in the form of insoluble compounds - hydroxyapatites. And only one percent of it in the form of compounds with phosphorus is soluble and can serve as a reserve in case of shortage. Another species is found in the blood plasma, where it enters from the intestines or as a result of washing out of the bones.

In the blood, the element is contained in the form:

• compounds with albumin;
• salts: phosphates, sulfates, carbonates, etc.;
• free (ionized).

It is of interest for research total, as well as the level of free calcium in the blood, with the slightest fluctuations in it in the body, disturbances in the formation of bones and teeth can occur, the permeability of the vascular wall, the conductivity of nerve impulses, and muscle contractions can change.

This exchange is regulated by special hormones:

1. calcitonin;
2. parathyroid hormone;
3. calcitriol.

Their production depends on the level of calcium, they activate its absorption in the intestines, the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin, a decrease in excretion by the kidneys, or, conversely, leaching from the bones.

In the body of a child, calcium is not formed, all of its amount comes from food:

• in the prenatal period - thanks to the mother's body;
• after birth - proper nutrition.

Vitamins A and D are of great importance in metabolism.

The latter comes from the outside with food or is produced in the skin under the influence of sun rays. As a result of complex biochemical reactions, vitamin D absorbed in the intestines is converted into calcitriol, which regulates the level.

Despite the large amount of this mineral in food, calcium is not easily absorbed by the body, since it is most often found in the form of poorly soluble compounds.

Translate calcium into a form more convenient for absorption, sour helps gastric juice. Therefore, any product or medicines, lowering acidity, can prevent its absorption from food.

Dairy products (cream, cheese, cottage cheese), in addition to a high concentration of the substance, contain a special enzyme - lactose, which helps lactobacilli produce lactic acid in the intestine, which breaks down calcium salts. Contribute to the improvement of absorption of citric and tartaric acids, fats, amino acids. But in cereals, spinach and sorrel, calcium is in insoluble compounds that are poorly absorbed.

With insufficient intake and a decrease in the level of this substance, the body begins to destroy own fabrics, trying to restore balance, which leads to violations of the growth and development of the child, as well as various diseases.

For the norms of the hormone androstenedione in women, see.

Calcium and calcium ionized - the norm in the blood in children

The need for this mineral matter in different periods lives are not equal. In pregnant women, nursing mothers and children, the need to get calcium is higher. And its level in the blood fluctuates somewhat.

From birth to three months

A newborn baby should receive at least four hundred milligrams of calcium from food. This is ensured by sufficient intake of mineral-rich foods by the nursing mother.

If the mother does not eat well, then the child needs to receive an additional element in the form of vitamin-mineral complexes.

For babies who are artificially fed with adapted milk mixtures, there is no such need. Since the composition of the mixtures is enriched with minerals in accordance with the age daily requirement.

The norm during this period is slightly higher than in adults and older children, and is 2.3 - 2.8 mmol / l, and the level of ionized (active) calcium in plasma ranges from 0.93 to 1.17 mmol / l.

Three months to six months

In that age period there is an intensive growth of the skeleton and strengthening of the bones. The need for calcium increases to five hundred milligrams.

To cover it, it is allowed to introduce the first complementary foods (not earlier than 4-5 months) in the form vegetable puree, as well as corrective additives of a small amount of baby cottage cheese or egg yolk.

An adequate intake of vitamin D is important during this period. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly walk with the child, arrange air and sun baths, and in the winter months, add vitamin D to food in the form of oil (ergocalciferol) or water (calciferol) pharmacy solutions.

Normal indicators in children of this age are slightly lower than in newborns and are 2.25 - 2.75 mmol / l, while the amount of the ionized form increases 1.03 - 1.27 mmol / l.

From six months to a year

During this age period, the bones of the child are strengthened, motor skills are improved. The baby begins to actively explore the space: crawl, walk. Increased daily energy consumption.

The arch of the foot, posture begins to form, teeth erupt. This increases the need to six hundred milligrams per day.

The baby can get the required amount with the help of complementary foods. These are milk porridges meat puree and meatballs, vegetables and fruits, egg yolk, dairy products(cottage cheese, kefir, etc.).

Normally, 2.1 to 2.7 mmol/l calcium is found in blood plasma, and the level of ionized calcium rises to 1.3 mmol/l.

over a year old

In preschoolers, the need increases to eight hundred milligrams per day. This is due to the intensive growth and stretching of the skeleton, the processes of bone growth are triggered.

Nutrition in this age period should be complete, varied and rich. And not only trace elements, but also vitamins and fiber.

Moderate physical exercise age-appropriate, sufficient exposure to fresh air, contribute to the strengthening of bones. It also contributes to the production of essential vitamin D.

Normal performance biochemical composition blood in preschoolers is in relation to 2.2 - 2.7 mmol / l, and according to ionized from 1.29 to 1.31 mmol / l.

Teenagers

Adolescence also applies to periods intensive growth skeleton and increased load.

Therefore, the need reaches the level of adults and is 1100-1200 mg per day.

At the same time, blood plasma normally contains total calcium in the amount of 2.16-2.61 mmol/l, and ionized calcium in the amount of 1.13-1.32 mmol/l.

With a lack of vitamin D, rickets develops.

Causes of deviation from the norm

An insufficient or excessive amount of a mineral can cause various pathological changes in the body.

Causes of deviation of indicators from the norm towards hypocalcemia:

• insufficient intake of the element with food;
• excess intake of phosphorus and magnesium, which are antagonists of the substance;
• protein starvation;
• malabsorption in the intestine;
• increased excretion by the kidneys;
• endocrine imbalance;
• massive transfusions of citrated blood;
• alkalosis.

Manifestation low level irritability, sweating, convulsive contractions of the muscles of the limbs, accompanied by pain, paresthesias, become in the blood. In severe cases, respiratory depression and cardiac arrhythmias develop.

Hypercalcemia can develop with:

• hormonal disorders;
• excessive leaching of substances from the bones (osteoporosis);
• an overdose of vitamin D and certain other drugs;
• malignant neoplasms;
• Williams syndrome;
• hereditary metabolic pathologies;
• sarcoidosis;
• kidney failure.

Symptoms of excess levels include increased blood pressure, arrhythmias, weakness, apathy. There may be a feeling of pain in the abdomen, a tendency to constipation. There are signs of dehydration. Mild irritability is replaced by apathy and gradually leads to disorientation up to loss of consciousness.

The level of calcium in the blood is an important indicator of the normal functioning of the body, but cannot be considered in isolation from others: sodium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium. Only a comprehensive assessment of the water-mineral balance testifies to the well-being and health of a person.

Related video

Hypocalcemic tetany (HT) and hypocalcemia is a metabolic-endocrine pathological condition that manifests itself in the form of paresthesias, local or generalized seizures, which are associated with a low level of calcium in the blood.

Statistics

HT is determined in almost all patients with pancreatitis, combined trauma, sepsis, who are in intensive care units and intensive care units. HT is often fixed as the only sign of some hidden pathology.

The causes of hypocalcemia can be different. This topic is well covered in the classification of this condition.

Classification

hypocalcemia occurs when there is a violation of the regulation of phosphorus-calcium metabolism, and this:

• Parathyroid hormone deficiency, which can occur due to damage to the parathyroid glands or their accidental removal, hemochromatosis, tumor metastases, autoimmune destruction, radiation therapy, congenital underdevelopment;
• Violation of the action of parathyroid hormone: Costello-Dent syndrome, Marten-Albright syndrome;
• Violation of the synthesis or action of hormones that regulate the activity of phosphorus-calcium metabolism: excessive production of calcitonin, medullary thyroid cancer, vitamin D deficiency (insensitivity to vitamin D, malabsorption, rickets).

In addition, hypocalcemia can be functional in nature:

• alkalosis;
• hungry bones syndrome;
• hyperproteinemia;
• increased calcium uptake;
• rhabdomyolysis;
• acute destructive
• chronic renal failure;
• neonatal hypocalcemia of infants from mothers with hyperparathyroidism.

Undoubtedly hypocalcemia can be toxigenic and iatrogenic, that is, caused by drug exposure:

• excess intake of phosphorus in the body;
• hypomagnesemia;
• treatment with mithramycin, cisplatin, neomycin;
• massive infusion of citrated blood;
• the use of phenobarbital, glucagon, laxatives, phenytoin, antacids.

Pathogenetic features

In order to develop HT, it is necessary to have low levels of calcium. This in turn leads to increased neuromuscular and interneuronal excitability. These conditions contribute to the formation of paresthesia, muscle cramps.

Common causes of HT and hypocalcemia

Most often, HT occurs as a result of a decrease in the function of the parathyroid glands. This happens more often as a result surgical intervention on the thyroid when the parathyroids are randomly removed.
Irreversible type HT develops after massive radiation therapy of the thyroid gland in thyrotoxicosis. Tumors very rarely lead to the development of HT. This is most likely an incident.

Various forms of parathyroidism

Idiopathic pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHPT) is the insensitivity of target organs to parathyroid hormone.

Pseudohypohyperparathyroidism is characterized by the resistance of the kidney cells to parathyroid hormone. In this case, the formation of the bone form of hyperparathyroidism occurs, however, calcium in the blood is reduced, not increased.

There is also pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism. The syndrome is genetic and is caused by damage to the parathyroid hormone molecule.
Other causes of hypocalcemia

A decrease in calcium in the blood may be due to an increased content of albumin and alkalosis.

In chronic renal failure, there is an increased loss of calcium in the urine due to a violation of reabsorption in the kidneys, which leads to a decrease in calcium in the blood.

The decrease in calcium in rhabdomyolysis and pancreatitis is due to an increase in chelate compounds in the areas of destruction of fat and muscle tissue due to an increase in phosphorus and potassium in the blood. These conditions lead to accelerated excretion of calcium from the body. Patients with this pathology also suffer from dysfunction of the kidneys, endocrine and digestive systems.
Hypocalcemia caused by drugs or medical interventions is called iatrogenic.

Symptoms of hypocalcemia

The first signs of hypocalcemia are generalized tonic convulsions. These seizures are called tetany. For the patient, tetany is terrible and painful. From tetany, the patient can die, because spasm and convulsions of the muscles involved in breathing or the heart muscle can occur.
Chronic decrease in the level of calcium in the blood changes in negative side human life. In addition, metastatic calcifications, cataracts, mental disorders, miscarriage and infertility, chronic infection is activated.

The pathognomonic symptoms of hypocalcemia are:

• paresthesia;
• difficulty breathing;
• convulsions.

Sensitivity disorders begin with the most delicate and sensitive areas of the skin. First, there is numbness of the lips with spread to the feet and hands.

Convulsions are most often realized in the form of a sardonic grin on faces and carpopedal spasm. Before the onset of a convulsive syndrome, the patient cannot articulate words clearly, swallowing is disturbed, paresis of the cranial nerves, spastic paresis of the arms and legs occur.

Vegetative nervous system amazed, which manifests itself:

• bronchospasm;
• sweating;
• vomiting and diarrhea;
• hepatic colic.

Differential Diagnosis

Convulsions in hypocalcemia resemble convulsions in epilepsy. However, it should be noted that in epilepsy, the nature of seizures is often clonic and with loss of consciousness. Of course, GT can also proceed with convulsive syndrome clonic type and fainting.

In addition, HT can be confused with such as depressive-catatonic attack, hallucinatory psychosis.

Tests for hypocalcemia

hypocalcemia also called spasmophilia. There are several tests for spasmophilia, which often manifests itself in childhood:

1. Chvostek's sign. When tapping with a fingertip between the corner of the mouth and the zygomatic arch, the lips twitch and the circular muscles of the mouth contract;
2. Weiss sign. The muscles of the face contract when tapped along the outer edge of the orbit;
3. Trousseau's sign. The "obstetrician's hand" appears (the index and middle finger with the rest bent) after compression of the shoulder with a sphygmomanometer cuff;
4. Schlesinger's sign. The initial position of the patient is lying on his back. When bending the leg hip joint twitching of the thigh muscles and supination of the foot appear.

These symptoms occur in a quarter of healthy people, as well as in patients who suffer from vegetovascular dystonia. At the same time, in a third of patients with spasmophilia, these signs are not observed.
In order to correctly establish the diagnosis of hypocalcemia, it is necessary to carefully examine the anamnestic data:

• whether there were previously convulsive seizures;
• whether operations on the thyroid gland were performed;
• whether not;
• whether the patient suffers from frequent fractures;
• whether radiation therapy was performed.

Signs of chronic hypocalcemia

Postoperative hypoparathyroidism can be calculated by scars on the neck, eczema and dermatoses, brittle dry hair, brittle nails. Often, patients have visual impairment in the form of cataracts. Cataract is considered a specific sign of chronic hypocalcemia.

Quickly determine the presence or absence of hypocalcemia with a blood level test. The lower limit of the normal level of total calcium is 2.2 mmol / l.

Increased calcium in the blood

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first cause:

(…) The first cause of high blood calcium is "primary hyperparathyroidism", a disease accompanied by the appearance of a tumor in one or more parathyroid glands. The main task of the parathyroid glands in the body is to maintain normal levels of calcium in the blood. The cells of the parathyroid glands "know how" to feel the concentration of calcium in the blood plasma and, in accordance with this level, produce parathyroid hormone. The main action of parathyroid hormone is to increase the level of calcium in the blood (by destroying bone tissue and releasing calcium from it into the blood, as well as by increasing the absorption of calcium from the primary urine in the kidneys and increasing its absorption from the intestines). When a tumor occurs in the parathyroid gland, its cells “cease to feel” the concentration of calcium in the blood - they “seem” that there is no calcium in the blood, or it is low. Tumor cells begin to uncontrollably produce parathyroid hormone, which dramatically increases the breakdown of bone tissue and the release of calcium from it into the blood. As a result, we determine the increased blood calcium in the laboratory and at the same time high level parathyroid hormone. Most often, such changes are also accompanied by a decrease in the level of phosphorus in the blood and an increase in the level of calcium in the urine. The danger of the disease lies in a decrease in bone density with the appearance of a tendency to fractures, to bone deformities, and reduced growth. An increased level of calcium in the blood leads to the deposition of calcium salts in the walls of blood vessels and heart valves, which reduces their elasticity and increases the tendency to thrombosis, which means the risk of strokes and myocardial infarction. (…)

Wow, here are strokes, and heart attacks, and salt deposits ... The individual ingredients of this "vinaigrette" have already been described in previous posts (for example - Stroke in terms of biological laws and Heart: myocardial infarction, heart attacks, clinical death ) , here we will describe only calcium itself.
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Thyroid and parathyroid glands and related biological conflicts.
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The main task of the endodermal tissue of the thyroid gland is the production of thyroxine (tetraiodothyronine, T4 and triiodothyronine, T3) and the accumulation of iodine. Besides, thyroid produces a hormone calcitonin that reduces the amount of calcium in the blood. Calcitonin is an antagonist of the parathyroid hormone responsible for raising calcium levels.
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In terms of evolutionary history, the endodermal thyroid and parathyroid glands originally released their hormones directly into the intestines, and now they do so directly into the blood. According to the System of Biological Laws, the thyroid gland reacts to the so-called "lump conflict" - general conflict of slowness , a parathyroid gland- on the conflict inability to muscle activity . The ectodermal excretory ducts of the thyroid gland once excreted thyroxine into the intestines. These excretory ducts of the thyroid gland can be imagined as bile ducts that carry bile from the liver to the intestines. Now these channels are dormant, but they still continue to exist. According to the System of Biological Laws, these ducts respond to the so-called powerlessness conflict .

In the System of Biological Laws, the traditional notions of so-called "diseases" such as "deficiency", "error of nature", "evil" and others, to which traditional medicine has accustomed people over the millennia, are considered significant Biological Special Programs (SBPs).
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Today we should understand that mother nature arranged everything in the most reasonable way, because biology cannot be “insufficient”, we were just blinded by medical dogmas before. Therefore, now for each symptom it is necessary to find the corresponding conflict and understand the biological meaning of each Special Biological Program.
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Content conflicts that lead to adenocarcinoma thyroid gland, includes"lumpy" conflict - a person “moves too slowly”, falls under the “press”, from which he cannot get out because of his own slowness.

Right lobe of the thyroid gland: the impossibility of obtaining the necessary (for survival) "piece" due to one's own slowness.Left lobe of the thyroid gland: the inability to get rid of an extremely dangerous (for survival) "piece" due to one's own slowness.
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In the active phase of the conflict (CA-phase) there is an increase in function and growth of a compact secretory adenoma like a cauliflower = hard goiter (struma)-> increased thyroxine production -> increased performance the content of T3 and T4 in the blood -> acceleration of metabolism, internal anxiety, sometimes - a feeling of a lump in the throat, suffocation without coughing or hoarseness due to neoplasia. biological sense - with an increase in the level of thyroxine in the blood, the reaction rate of the individual increases.

Examples

- Retired throughout years works as an au pair in one family and becomes almost a member of this family. One fine day, she is unexpectedly fired with the following rationale: “For us, you do everything too slowly!” -> she cannot keep this "piece of bread" because of her slowness. A woman has a growth of a thyroid tumor in the active phase. The tumor is removed during surgery.

- Some already quite elderly employee of the company feels that he is not able to keep up with the pace of work of his younger colleagues. With his old-fashioned, solid style of work, he fails to maintain strict time limits. The company's management would gladly entrust his work to some younger and more dynamic colleague. He is going to be retired. Some time after the events described, he is diagnosed with thyroid carcinoma -> conflict “I can’t get“ a piece of food - a workplace ”due to slowness.

- The patient looked after himself a house and was going to buy it. It is also necessary to discuss the terms of the loan with the bank. And at this time, another buyer intercepts the house from him, who pays in cash -> conflict “I can’t get a “piece” in the form of a house because of my own sluggishness” (right lobe of the thyroid gland).

- The broker takes too long to sell the shares and loses half of his fortune on this -> the conflict “I can’t get rid of the shares fast enough” (left lobe of the thyroid gland).

- The 32-year-old doctor undertook to write his doctoral dissertation. However, the matter turned out to be more difficult than he thought. After the four years allotted for him to write his doctoral dissertation had passed, he had to ask for a rescheduling of the paper. He has since developed hyperthyroidism - thyroid adenocarcinoma on both sides - because he cannot devote much time to writing his dissertation due to his main job - "can't spit out the paper" (swelling on the left) and because he "doesn't write fast enough". ' to get his PhD (tumor on the right). He began to take the drug "Thyreostatika", which blocks the function of the thyroid gland. A drug-free solution could be (in the light of the understanding of Biological Laws): to present the thesis of his future dissertation, which would lead to conflict resolution, caseous disintegration of the tumor and normalization of hyperactivity.
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In the recovery phase (PCL-phase), after the resolution of the conflict, thyroid tumors in the form of nodes often remain and encapsulate, and in the presence of fungi and mycobacteria in the body, tuberculous-caseous necrosis of these nodes occurs ( ). After the completion of the PCL phase hormonal level returns to normal.
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Content of conflicts for parathyroid gland : "lumpy" conflict - conflict associated with the inability to obtain something desirable due to muscle weakness (right side) or get rid of something unwanted ( left-hand side). In other words, it is not possible to get anything - due to impotence, passivity, inertia or laziness.
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In the active phase of the conflict (SA-phase), there is an increase in function, the growth of a compact secretory adenoma like a cauliflower. Increase in the number of cells producing parathyroid hormone = "hard goiter (struma)"-> increased release of parathyroid hormone (hyperparathyroidism)-> increase in calcium levels due to the release of calcium from bone tissue. Prolonged conflict activity can lead to bone decalcification (fibroosteoclasia). The biological meaning is to increase muscle activity by increasing calcium levels. However, both too low and too high levels of parathyroid hormone can indicate a general deficiency of calcium in the body..
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Thus, an increased level of calcium in the blood can lead to:
- active conflict for parathyroid
- resolved conflict (recovery phase) for thyroid glands in the edema phase, when the function of the gland is significantly (temporarily!) reduced and cannot compensate normal function parathyroid gland .
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Competent specialist, familiar with Biological Laws, according to characteristics will determine the SBP phase in order to understand whether it is worth resolving the active conflict or the conflict has already been resolved and you just need to wait a short time during the recovery phase without any (active) actions. Of course, the values ​​of laboratory parameters should be taken into account only in dynamics, and not for one study.

From the point of view of traditional medicine second

(...) is the disintegration of bone tissue due to the occurrence of metastases in it of any malignant tumor. Metastases have a so-called lytic effect, i.e. destroy bone tissue and release calcium salts from it, which enter the bloodstream and lead to elevated content calcium in the blood. In this case, calcium in the blood is increased, but at the same time the level of parathyroid hormone is within the normal range or at the lower limit of normal. (…)

About "tales of metastases" - read here:Metastases is a thriller from World Cancer Day. Here I will write only about the bones themselves.

Musculoskeletal system
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- self-devaluation conflict (CSR). In the active phase of the conflict, “destruction” of bone tissue occurs - osteolysis, i.e. decrease in its density. In this case, there really is a release of calcium (calcium salts) from the bones of the skeleton, which gives an increase in the level of calcium in the blood, despite the fact that the level of parathyroid hormone can be quite normal.
Therefore, an increased level of calcium in the blood can also lead to of great strength, which “hits” precisely in the bones (a weaker CSR acts on more soft tissues musculoskeletal system - muscles, tendons, cartilage, joints and lymphatic system).

From the point of view of traditional medicine third The "official" possible reason for the increase in calcium:

(...) - the development of neuroendocrine tumors that produce the so-called PTH-like peptides (PTHPP). These tumors are most often localized in the lungs, although their location can be very diverse. The sizes of such tumors are usually small - from 4-5 mm to 1-2 cm. They "know how" to produce chains of amino acids, the sequence of which matches the active end of the parathyroid hormone. Similar peptides (they are called PTH-like, since they are very similar in their action to parathyroid hormone) cause a situation when calcium in the blood is elevated, but laboratory analyzers do not show an increase in parathyroid hormone levels in this case, since PTH-like peptides do not completely copy the parathyroid hormone molecule. PTHPP produced in in large numbers malignant tumors, causing severe hypercalcemia. (…)
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The physiological role of PTHPP differs sharply from that of PTH (parathyroid hormone). PTHPP is produced in many tissues, both in the fetus and in the mature body. Among other things, it regulates the transport of calcium through the placenta, i.e. necessary for normal development. In the postnatal period, PTHPP is involved in the development of epithelial and mesenchial tissues, which determines the development of the mammary glands, skin and hair follicles. Under physiological conditions, PTHPP usually acts locally rather than systemically.
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Thus, an increased level of calcium in the blood while normal level PTH can mean the presence of any active SBP for the ancient brain (stem and cerebellum) with a significant growth of the corresponding tissues (cancer of the lungs, glandular tissue of the breast, various organs of the gastrointestinal tract, anterior pituitary gland, etc.). As soon as the relevant conflict is resolved, the level of PTHPP (and, accordingly, the level of calcium in the blood serum) will decrease.
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Why is the official emphasis put on the "malignancy" of these tumors? Because it is the growth of cells of the corresponding tissues that gives an increase in the level of PTHPP. As soon as growth stops (even in the presence of the tumor itself, which is now considered "benign"), the level of PTHLP decreases.

An explanation of the "benign" and "malignant" tumors -
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So, resume. Elevated calcium levels in blood tests from the point of view of Biological Laws can be caused by the following reasons:

- active conflict for parathyroid glands (increased production of parathyroid hormone);

- resolved conflict (recovery phase) for thyroid glands in the edema phase, when the function of the gland is significantly (temporarily!) reduced and cannot compensate for the normal function of the parathyroid gland (hypothyroidism) .

- active self-devaluation conflict great strength, which "beats" precisely in bones musculoskeletal system;

- active SBP for the ancient brain (stem and cerebellum) with significant growth appropriate fabrics .
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As you can see, the reasons are completely different, but knowledge of the principles of the functioning of the human body in the light of Biological Laws can give an accurate understanding of what kind of reason takes place in each case, because the specific symptoms for the above options are very different from each other - both at the level of the body as well as at the mental level. And if there is , then you can determine the exact cause with 100% probability.