Mayo Clinic Talks
Lab Medicine Edition | Electrolytes: Calcium (Hypercalcemia, Hypocalcemia)
Apr 18, 2024
Mira T. Keddis, M.D., a specialist in calcium disorders, shares her expertise on managing hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia. She discusses the clinical significance of calcium levels on neuromuscular and cardiac health. Delving into hypercalcemia, she explains its causes and effects, especially in cancer patients. The conversation covers how thiazide diuretics influence calcium levels and the importance of precise thresholds for treatment decisions. Discover the careful balance of hormones and risks in calcium management that can impact patient outcomes.
31:22
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Quick takeaways
- Hypercalcemia can lead to severe complications like kidney injury and arrhythmias, necessitating careful assessment and management by healthcare providers.
- Hypocalcemia symptoms require cautious evaluation, particularly regarding vitamin D deficiency and potential neuromuscular excitability, before initiating treatment strategies.
Deep dives
The Importance of Calcium Management
Calcium disorders are significant in healthcare, with hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia posing serious risks if not managed correctly. Calcium plays a crucial role in neuromuscular function and cardiac activity; thus, disruptions can lead to potentially life-threatening complications such as arrhythmias. It’s vital for healthcare providers to understand that calcium is largely stored in the bones, with only a small percentage circulating in the blood. Accurate assessment of calcium levels and their implications requires considering factors such as total calcium, ionized calcium, and the patient's albumin levels.
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