Home > Patients & Visitors > Health Library > High blood calcium (hypercalcemia)
Hypercalcemia is an abnormally high level of calcium in the blood. It can be caused by high levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and may occur in hyperparathyroidism.
Hypercalcemia can also develop without high levels of PTH. This occurs in vitamin D overdose, prolonged periods of bed rest or immobilization, and some types of cancer.
Symptoms of hypercalcemia include weakness, lack of energy, not wanting to eat, nausea and vomiting, constipation, urinating a lot, belly pain, or bone pain.
Hypercalcemia is treated by determining and treating the cause of the high blood calcium. Saline and diuretics are given to help the body get rid of extra calcium. Calcitonin is given to help move extra calcium out of the blood. Bisphosphonates are also used.
Current as of: February 10, 2021
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Christopher G. Wood MD, FACS - Urology, Oncology
To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.
© 1995-2021 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
Concord Hospital Otolaryngology is accepting new patients. Get a diagnostic hearing test with one of our audiologists and a same-day physician consult. Audiologists Shaun McArdle and Cheryl Dagnon provide care for infants and adults.
Request to Become a Patient