Hypercalcemia: Symptoms & Signs

Medically Reviewed on 9/3/2021

Hypercalcemia refers to a condition in which the levels of the mineral calcium are too high in the blood. Calcium is important for bone strength, as well as muscle and nerve function.

Signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia include

The elevated calcium levels in the blood can also cause abnormal heart rhythms, which can be detected on an electrocardiogram (ECG).

Causes of hypercalcemia

The main cause of hypercalcemia is hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which the parathyroid glands (which control calcium levels) are overly active. There are other possible causes of hypercalcemia as well, including certain cancers and kidney conditions.

Other hypercalcemia symptoms and signs

References
Jameson, J. Larry, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20th Ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education, 2018.