fullcortex.net

( 1996 )

- What are some of the causes of high calcium levels in the blood? -

Elevation of the level of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) may be due to a wide range of causes because calcium level is controlled by many factors. A hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands (located in the neck under the thyroid gland) plays a key role in the regulation of calcium. If this hormone is produced in excess, the level of calcium in the blood will increase. Hypercalcemia may be associated with diseases such as sarcoidosis, multiple myeloma, Paget’s disease of the bones, and certain tumors that either involve the bone directly or secrete a hormone-like substance that raises calcium. Other factors that can cause elevated calcium levels include: an overactive thyroid gland, consuming excessive amounts of vitamin D, or taking certain diuretic medications. Elevated calcium levels may even occur due to genetic factors.
The causes of elevated blood calcium range from simple and benign to complex and serious. Hence, hypercalcemia calls for careful evaluation to establish the cause and choice of treatment or follow-up.