Hypocalcaemia is a decrease in blood calcium levels that, in most cases, does not cause symptoms and is usually identified in the outcome of the blood test; However, when the amount of calcium is very low, severe symptoms such as muscle spasms, mental confusion and seizures may occur.Occur.
Hypocalcaemia usually occurs when the body cannot maintain normal circulating levels of free calcium, as in hypoparathyroidism or in the absence of vitamin D, for example, and treatment is done depending on the cause, taking into account the severity of the condition and if there are no symptoms, calcium supplementation is necessary.
- Calcium is an essential mineral for bone health and body metabolism.
- And its blood levels are mainly regulated by the parathyroid gland and vitamin D.
- Which balance calcium absorption in food.
- Bone and body distribution or elimination by the kidneys.
- Learn more about the functions and benefits of calcium for your body.
The main causes of hypocalcaemia include
In addition, hypocalcaemia can be a complication of acute pancreatitis, as fatty acids released by the inflamed pancreas can interfere with the amount of calcium.
Hypocalcaemia is diagnosed by measuring blood-free calcium, called calcium ion, which is below normal levels, which should be between 4 and 5 mg/dL and the total calcium dose indicates that it is missing when it is less than 8, 5 mg/dL.However, these values may vary depending on the test lab.Also check what happens when there is excess calcium in your blood.
However, your doctor may still need to test your kidneys, hormones, and levels of other components in your blood, such as PTH, vitamin D, phosphorus, and magnesium levels, for example, to identify the possible cause of the problem.
Although hypocalcaemia shows no symptoms in milder cases, when calcium levels drop too low or drop dramatically, signs such as:
When hypocalcaemia is chronic and appears gradually, as in hypoparathyroidism, you can also notice dry skin, brittle nails, hair loss and dental erosion, as well as nervousness, anxiety, mental confusion, memory impairment and tremors.Discover other common symptoms of this problem..
Treatment of hypocalcaemia depends on the cause, severity of disease and the presence or absence of symptoms.In cases of severe hypocalcaemia and symptoms, calcium replacement, such as calcium gluconate or calcium chloride, is required through the vein until symptoms are relieved.
In case of mild hypocalcaemia, calcium supplements and an increase in dietary intake with calcium may be indicated.See the list of calcium-rich foods.
It is also necessary to investigate and resolve the cause, which may include the replacement of magnesium, vitamin D, as well as the treatment of renal or parathyroid disorders, if they cause hypocalcaemia.