Calcium Level Test: High vs Low vs Normal
Calcium is a very important element in our body. Our bones contain calcium, which is essential for healthy bones. It is present in various food sources. Most of the calcium in our body is stored in teeth and bones. The strength and structure of the bones are due to the presence of calcium. Calcium Level Test is so important. Calcium is required for the body to send messages via the nervous system, move, and perform a variety of other tasks. That’s why it is essential to maintain a proper level of calcium in the body. Various tests are performed to check the level of calcium in the body. If You want to check your calcium in body Nisarga Diagnostics is a Best Diagnostics Center in Bangalore which provides various services like blood test, x-rays , CT Scans, etc. Lets See why Calcium Level Test is so important.
Importance of Calcium
Calcium is one of the most important things our bodies need to keep our bones, teeth, nerve impulses, muscle contractions, and blood from clotting. The following are some of the reasons why calcium is important:
- For healthy teeth and bones
- Clotting of blood to stop blood flow from a cut or wound
- Maintain normal heartbeat rate
- Movement of muscles
- Sending and receiving of messages by the nervous system
- Release of various hormones and chemicals
- Decreasing the blood pressure by dilation of the blood vessels
- Send signals from the brain to other body parts
Who needs a Calcium Level Test?
The level of calcium in the body is affected by various diseases. Any individual with any of these problems or diseases needs a calcium test:
- Bone issues such as osteoporosis
- Cancer of the lungs, breast, kidney, breast, head, or neck
- Liver issues
- Kidney disease
- Thyroid glands being overactive
- Pancreatitis (a condition in which the pancreas gets inflamed)
- Parathyroid (a disease of the thyroid gland in which either the thyroid glands start secreting more or less hormone)
- Intestines are unable to absorb nutrients from the consumed food
Sometimes people may experience symptoms of high or low calcium levels instead of the disease. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then you need a calcium test.
Symptoms of High Calcium Level
- Stomach ache
- Do not want to eat
- Constipation
- Fatigues
- Feeling thirsty more often
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Symptoms of Low Calcium Level
- Muscle ache
- Tingling of feet or hands
- Irregular beating of the heart
- Electric disturbance of the brain
How to Prepare For the Calcium Level Test
There are various medications that can affect the level of calcium in the blood and therefore affect the blood test. Before the blood calcium test, the doctor will tell you to stop taking these medicines:
- Supplements of vitamin D
- Antacids
- Diuretics
- Lithium
High vs Low vs Normal Calcium Level in Calcium Test
Calcium Levels
High Low Normal
10.5 mg per deciliter (mg/dL) – 16.0 (mg/dl) Less than 4.6 mg/dl 4.6 mg/dl – 5.3 mg/dl
These tests may vary slightly in different conditions and labs. Your doctor will provide you with a proper report about the level of calcium in your body.
Causes of High Calcium or Hypercalcemia in Calcium Test
A result of a calcium test that is higher than the normal level is considered to be a high level of calcium. This condition is known as hypercalcemia. This condition can be caused by various reasons:
- Some drugs: Some medicated drugs such as lithium may cause hypercalcemia.
- Cancer: Various types of cancer, mostly parathyroid cancers, can cause hypercalcemia.
- Hyperparathyroidism: It is a condition in which the thyroid glands get overactive. It can cause hypercalcemia.
- Large doses of calcium: If someone has consumed a lot of calcium, it may cause hypercalcemia.
- Overdose of vitamins A and D: Overconsumption of certain vitamins such as A and D can cause hypercalcemia.
- High level of protein in blood: More protein levels can also be a reason for hypercalcemia.
Causes of Low Calcium or Hypocalcemia in Calcium Test
A condition in which the level of calcium is lower than normal is known as hypocalcemia. These are some of the common causes of hypocalcemia:
- Deficiency of vitamin D: If there is vitamin D deficiency in the body it can cause hypocalcemia.
- Kidney failure: Hypocalcemia may also be caused if the kidney is not in good condition.
- Hypoparathyroidism: It is a condition in which the thyroid gland secretes less hormone. It may cause hypocalcemia.
- Pancreatitis: A condition in which the pancreas gets inflamed. It can cause hypocalcemia.
- Genetic issue: Hypocaclemia may cause due to various genetic disorders such as DiGeorge syndrome.
Calcium is a very important element of the body that provides structure and strength to bones and teeth. But it should be present in normal quantities. Blood tests are performed to find out the level of calcium in the body. Sometimes, it may get higher or lower than normal. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a higher or lower calcium level, then you should go for the calcium level test at Nisarga Diagnostics.