Description
Calcium is a mineral that plays an important role in bone health, blood clotting, muscle contraction and sending nerve signals. Normal calcium levels help to ensure proper development of bone and teeth formation and growth. If the body is deficient in calcium, it will cause brittle bones and teeth and if it more it causes adrenal gland problems.This blood test is used to determine calcium levels in individuals with parathyroid or thyroid disorders also.
Deficient calcium levels (hypocalcemia) can lead to osteoporosis,osteopenia,Osteopenia, Tingling/Numbess in fingers,muscle cramps,lethargy ,mental confusion,dermatitis and malformations of the skeleton. Serum calcium is involved in the regulation of neuromuscular and enzyme activity, bone metabolism and blood coagulation. Calcium blood levels are controlled by a complex interaction of parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, calcitonin and adrenal cortical steroids.
Urinary calcium reflects dietary intake, rate of calcium absorption by the intestine and bone resorption. Urinary calcium is used primarily to evaluate parathyroid function and the effects of vitamin D. A significant number of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism will have elevated urinary calcium.
