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29th December 2024
Signs and symptoms of hypercalcaemia
Hypercalcaemia may present acutely, subacutely or may be asymptomatic and an incidental finding. High calcium levels can impact many organ systems and, if left untreated, can be fatal.
| Endocrine and renal | Polydipsia and polyuria – can lead to dehydration, hypovolaemia, and AKI. Untreated, AKI can lead to uraemia (itching, confusion).
High calcium can result in renal stones, causing renal colic and haematuria. Increased osteoclast activity can result in bone pain and aches. |
| Gastrointestinal | Constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.
Occasionally, it can contribute to pancreatitis and peptic ulcers. |
| Neurological and neuropsychiatric | Fatigue, malaise and generalised weakness.
Confusion, cognitive impairment and depression. Left untreated, it can lead to reduced GCS and coma. |
| Cardiac | Hypercalcaemia can lead to postural hypotension.
ECG changes can include shortened QT interval, J waves and, in severe cases, changes that mimic ST elevation. Left untreated, hypercalcaemia can cause fatal arrhythmias including VF (ventricular fibrillation) arrest. |
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