Serum calcium

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia


Overview of serum calcium


Serum Calcium
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Hypocalcemia, Hypercalcemia
Complications Osteoporosis, Cardiac arrhythmias
Onset
Duration
Types N/A
Causes Dietary deficiency, Parathyroid disorders
Risks Vitamin D deficiency, Chronic kidney disease
Diagnosis Blood test
Differential diagnosis N/A
Prevention N/A
Treatment Calcium supplements, Vitamin D
Medication N/A
Prognosis N/A
Frequency
Deaths N/A


Serum calcium refers to the level of calcium in the blood. Calcium is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including bone health, muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.

Normal Range[edit | edit source]

The normal range for serum calcium is typically between 8.5 and 10.2 mg/dL. However, this range can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the measurement methods used.

Regulation of Serum Calcium[edit | edit source]

Serum calcium levels are tightly regulated by the parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin, and vitamin D. The parathyroid glands release PTH in response to low calcium levels, which increases calcium absorption in the intestines, reabsorption in the kidneys, and release from bones.

Causes of Abnormal Serum Calcium Levels[edit | edit source]

Hypocalcemia[edit | edit source]

Hypocalcemia is a condition characterized by low levels of calcium in the blood. Causes of hypocalcemia include:

Hypercalcemia[edit | edit source]

Hypercalcemia is a condition where there is too much calcium in the blood. Causes of hypercalcemia include:

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of abnormal serum calcium levels can vary:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Serum calcium levels are measured through a blood test. It is important to consider albumin levels when interpreting calcium results, as calcium binds to albumin in the blood.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External Links[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD