Why is Blood Calcium Level Important?

Submitted by Dr S. Patel on 13 June 2017

This time in our Health by Numbers/Medical Tests series, Dr Shital Raval takes a look at the importance of Calcium levels in the metabolic panel.

Read the previous parts on Sodium Levels, Potassium Levels and Chloride Levels

CALCIUM:

Calcium is an important component of our bones, teeth, nerve cells and organs such as heart and kidneys. A blood calcium test is ordered if there are any symptoms of any bone or neurological disorders, kidney stones etc or can be a part of a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel.

Calcium found in the body can be in free or bound state which is usually very balanced. The calcium test indicates the amount of free calcium present in the blood. Calcium is regulated by the parathyroid hormone (PTH) which is secreted by the Parathyroid glands. Increased PTH causes more calcium to be released in the blood.

If calcium is found to be abnormal, more testing is required to diagnose the underlying condition. These tests commonly include measurement of urine calcium, phosphorus, ionised calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone(PTH) and PTH related peptide. Ionised calcium test is used for patients who have lost balance of free and bound calcium; such patients either are undergoing surgery, blood loss, blood disorders, on IV fluids etc.

Calcium monitoring is needed for patients who are on calcium or vitamin D supplements, have any kidney disorders, and suffer from cancer.

The corrected total serum calcium concentration is normally 8.5-10.2 mg/dL.

Low calcium levels:

Lower than normal levels or Hypocalcemia may be due to:

  • Insufficient calcium in the diet
  • Decreased levels of vitamin D
  • Parathyroid gland abnormality such as poor functioning(hypoparathyroidism) or resistance.
  • Magnesium deficiency
  • Increase in phosphorus levels
  • Pancreatitis
  • Kidney failure

High calcium levels :

Higher than normal levels or Hypercalcemia may be due to:

  • Excess vitamin D intake
  • Increase in parathyroid function (hyperparathyroidism)
  • Cancer especially when it has spread to the bones
  • Prolonged immobility (when bones don’t bear weight, they release calcium)
  • Certain drugs such as lithium, thiazide diuretics etc
  • Kidney transplant
  • Diseases such as TB, Sarcoidosis, AIDS etc.

Foods that contain calcium :

  • Dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt.
  • Sardines with the bones
  • Vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, turnips etc.
  • Dark greens like spinach, kale, watercress, collard greens etc.

Read the previous parts on Sodium Levels, Potassium Levels and Chloride Levels

Changed
13/Jun/2017
Community
Kidney, Urinary, Gastro Intestinal, Liver
Cancer
Muscle, Bone and Joint (earlier named Arthritis)
Condition
Cancer
Chronic Kidney Disease
Osteoporosis

Stories

  • Why is Potassium Level Important?
    This time in our Health by Numbers/Medical Tests series, Dr Shital Raval takes a look at the importance of Potassium levels in the electrolyte panel. Read the first part on Sodium Levels  POTASSIUM: Potassium is both a mineral and electrolyte. It is important for heart, muscle, digestive and nerve functioning.  The potassium test is often part of a routine or done to check on the electrolyte balance of the body. The best sources of potassium are: Leafy greens such as swiss chard,…
  • Smoking Causes Early Death Among 50% of its Users
    Dr Prakash C. Gupta, Director of Healis-Sekhsaria Institute of Public Health, has researched public health in India extensively over decades and shares with us his valuable opinions on tobacco use and cessation. Scroll down to sign the pledge The Age when it all begins Even when it may be difficult to ascertain the age in which people start smoking, the mean age of initiating tobacco use in any form in India is determined at 17.8 years: 18 for males, 17.1 for females. For smoking, it is 17.9 (…
  • Why Does My Shoulder Hurt?
    Dr Kalpana Kamdar, a physiotherapist from Ahmedabad, warns that slumping and slouching for long hours while sitting can result in severe shoulder dysfunction, unbearable pain, inflammation and restriction of movement in the neck, shoulders and upper back.  Case Study A 65-year-old male patient, retired from a clerical job, came with diffused pain in and around the left shoulder joint and loss of movement due to pain and weakness but no stiffness in the shoulder. He had first been treated…
  • The Importance of Electrolyte Balance - Sodium
    This time in our Health by Numbers/Medical Tests series, Dr Shital Patel takes a look at our electrolyte levels in our blood. An electrolyte imbalance, commonly caused by loss of body fluids through prolonged vomiting, diarrhoea, sweating or high fever, can result in various health disorders, like restlessness, anxiety, kidney diseases or even cardiac arrest. An Electrolyte Panel is a blood test that measures the common minerals in the body such as sodium, calcium, chloride, magnesium,…
  • Physical Activity and Exercise Can Help Keep Mental Illness in Control
    Exercise and yoga can improve quality of life for people with mental illness and reduce risks of strokes, diabetes, auditory hallucinations and other health problems, informs Dr R Padmavati, Additional Director, Schizophrenia Research Foundation. World Health Organisation defines physical activity as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. Physical activity is not just "exercise". Exercise, is a subcategory of physical activity that is planned,…
  • Arthritis Friendly Kitchen E-Book
    Do you or a family member like to cook in the kitchen but struggle with the aches and pains due to Arthritis and other bone and joint conditions? Do you know that with some modifications and some simple tips, your kitchen can be made Elder Friendly or Arthritis Friendly? Here are some tips consolidated into the Arthritis Friendly Kitchen E-Book that you can download. And if you like the ebook, please share this page with your friends and family - so they can benefit from this as well.  And…
  • What Does High or Low Platelet Count Mean?
    This time in our health by numbers/tests series, Dr Shital Raval takes a look at our platelet count that can be determined by a routine blood test. If the platelet count is high or low from the normal range, it can provide insight into various abnormalities and blood disorders including infections and cancer. A platelet count test is conducted to check the number of platelets in the blood. This test is usually a part of the CBC or complete blood count. Here is a look at what platelet count…
  • How Can I Prevent Cancer?
    Among the ways to prevent cancer – eating a healthy, balanced diet could be your starting point. Try to consume all essential nutrients that will help detoxify your body, stimulate the immune system and prevent healthy cells from turning cancerous. Over the last 25 years, research has produced dietary guidelines that have become conventional wisdom when it comes to cancer prevention. There are a number of substances present in our daily diet which are carcinogenic (cancer causing substances)…
  • Exercise Brought Back My Life After Cancer
    Breast cancer survivor Parul Banka wants to inform and inspire others through her own example about leading a physically active lifestyle, especially after cancer, to manage pain, fatigue, improve muscle strength and regain confidence. Physical activity played a massive role in helping me recuperate from the harsh side effects of the cancer treatment. It helped me with stress management, regaining my strength and rebuilding a life after cancer. There is increasing scientific evidence that…
  • What to Eat during Cancer Treatment and Chemotherapy Diet Tips
    Patients with cancer experience a loss of appetite and a change in taste during treatment, especially chemotherapy. Here are some tasty and healthy tips provided by CPAA that can help you cope with treatment better even at higher doses. A balanced diet for a patient must contain carbohydrates (bread, rice), proteins (meat, poultry, dal), fats (oil and butter), vitamins and fiber (fruits and vegetables). A typical daily diet should include 4 servings of cereals (1 bowl of rice/ 2 chapattis/ 1…