What should calcium levels be in blood

Anyone experiencing symptoms of hypercalcemia should speak with a doctor, who will order a blood test and make a diagnosis based on results. A person with mild hypercalcemia may have no symptoms, and the condition may only be diagnosed after a routine blood test. The test will check for blood calcium and parathyroid hormone levels. People with mild hypercalcemia may not require treatment, and levels may return to normal over time.

The doctor will monitor calcium levels and the health of the kidneys. If calcium levels continue to rise or do not improve on their own, further testing will likely be recommended. For people with more severe hypercalcemia, it is important to discover the cause. The doctor may offer treatments to help lower calcium levels and prevent complications. Possible treatments include intravenous fluids and medications such as calcitonin or bisphosphonates. If overactive parathyroid glands, too much vitamin D, or another health condition is causing hypercalcemia, the doctor will also treat these underlying conditions.

Certain lifestyle changes can help to keep calcium levels balanced and bones healthy. These include:. Mild hypercalcemia may not require treatment.

If the condition is more serious, a doctor may prescribe medications that lower levels of calcium and treat the underlying cause.

The nutrients in milk can help maintain bone, brain, and heart health, but some people either choose not to drink it or cannot tolerate it.

Learn more…. New calcium tests are understood to be able to accurately determine if a patient needs to be prescribed anticholesterol drugs known as statins, which…. Learn all about hyperphosphatemia, when levels of phosphate in the blood are too high. We examine the symptoms, causes, and treatment options. A new study presented at The Endocrine Society's 94th Annual Meeting in Houston reveals that calcium and vitamin D supplements are linked to high….

Calcium is an essential mineral, and having too little can cause wide-ranging health issues over time. Learn more about this deficiency, hypocalcemia…. What happens when calcium levels are high? Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M.

What is hypercalcemia? Symptoms Causes Complications Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Outlook The term hypercalcemia refers to having too much calcium in the blood.

Share on Pinterest The parathyroid gland controls calcium levels in the blood. Share on Pinterest Hypercalcemia may be associated with osteoporosis.

There are two types of calcium blood tests: Total calcium , which measures the calcium attached to specific proteins in your blood. Ionized calcium , which measures the calcium that is unattached or "free" from these proteins.

Why do I need a calcium blood test? Symptoms of high calcium levels include: Nausea and vomiting More frequent urination Increased thirst Constipation Abdominal pain Loss of appetite Symptoms of low calcium levels include: Tingling in the lips, tongue, fingers, and feet Muscle cramps Muscle spasms Irregular heartbeat Many people with high or low calcium levels do not have any symptoms. These include: Kidney disease Thyroid disease Malnutrition Certain types of cancer.

What happens during a calcium blood test? Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test? Are there any risks to the test? What do the results mean? If your results show higher than normal calcium levels, it may indicate: Hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which your parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone Paget's disease of the bone , a condition that causes your bones to become too big, weak, and prone to fractures Overuse of antacids that contain calcium Excessive intake of calcium from vitamin D supplements or milk Certain types of cancer If your results show lower than normal calcium levels, it may indicate: Hypoparathyroidism, a condition in which your parathyroid glands produce too little parathyroid hormone Vitamin D deficiency Magnesium deficiency Inflammation of the pancreas pancreatitis Kidney disease If your calcium test results are not in the normal range, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have a medical condition needing treatment.

Is there anything else I need to know about a calcium blood test? References Hinkle J, Cheever K. Calcium, Serum; Calcium and Phosphates, Urine; —9 p. Lab Tests Online [Internet]. American Association for Clinical Chemistry; c— Calcium: The Test [updated May 13; cited Mar 30]; [about 4 screens].

Bethesda MD : U. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Parathyroid glands Open pop-up dialog box Close. Parathyroid glands The parathyroid glands, which lie behind the thyroid, manufacture the parathyroid hormone, which plays a role in regulating your body's levels of the minerals calcium and phosphorus.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Shane E. Clinical manifestations of hypercalcemia. Accessed Jan.