Diagnosis

calcium

This page deals with the interpretation of blood values that can be obtained from a blood test

Synonyms

calcium
Calcium
Hypercalcemia
Hypocalcemia
Muscle spasms
Tetani

English: calcium

function

Calcium, like potassium, sodium or chloride, is one of the body's essential salts.
The regulation of the calcium balance is closely linked to the phosphate balance.
Various organs and hormones are involved in the regulation of calcium.

The following are to be mentioned:

the small intestine, where calcium is absorbed
the bones where calcium is stored in large quantities
the kidney, which regulates calcium excretion
the parathyroid gland with the parathyroid hormone (PTH)
Vitamin D

Determination method

The calcium level is determined in the blood plasma or in the blood serum. A blood sample is necessary for this. Other Electrolytes in the blood to be determined.

Standard values

Calcium is found in three different forms in blood serum:

free calcium (50% of total calcium)
protein-bound calcium (especially bound to albumin, a blood protein - 45% of total calcium)
Anion-bound calcium (especially the phosphate, citrate and bicarbonate - 5% of the total calcium)

Standard values:

Total calcium - 2.20 - 2.65 mmol / l

Ionized calcium - 1.15 - 1.35 mmol / l

Increase in blood value

An increase in the calcium concentration in serum or plasma greater than 2.65 mmol / l is medically referred to as hypercalcemia.

Causes of hypercalcemia can be:

Vitamin D overdose
Kidney disease / renal insufficiency
primary hyperparatyroidism, in most cases it is a benign growth of the parathyroid gland. One of the so-called epithelial cells produces too much parathyroid hormone. The result is that more calcium is reabsorbed from the small intestine and the kidneys.
Vitamin A overdose
Vitamin A is partly used in dermatology for acne therapy. The high dose of vitamin A. Administration can in individual cases lead to an increase in the calcium level in the blood.

Further information will follow.