A calcium level of 11 is considered high.
The condition of Hypercalcemia is defined as total blood calcium over 10.5 mg/dL [6, 7, 8]: 10.51 – 12 mg/dL is considered mild hypercalcemia and usually doesn't cause symptoms.
Hypercalcemia can become fatal once the calcium levels reach levels that are higher than 14mg per dL or (3.5 mmol per L).
Hypercalcemia is considered mild if the total serum calcium level is between 10.5 and 12 mg per dL (2.63 and 3 mmol per L).
Hypercalcemia needs to be treated when your calcium levels are higher than 12mg/dL.
If your calcium levels are lower than 12mg/dL then it does not usually require any treatment.
For people with moderate hypercalcemia (12 to 14 mg/dL) and symptoms, specific treatment is necessary.
Although people with moderate calcium level elevation but no symptoms may only need adequate hydration.
Hypercalcemia becomes an emergency when your hypercalcemia levels are (Ca>4 mmol/l or 16 mg/dl) because of the risk of a potential coma or cardiac arrest.
The cancers that can cause high calcium levels are prostate cancer, lung cancer, kidney cancer, myeloma and breast cancer.
An increased level of calcium in the bloodstream is most often a complication of cancer and is referred to as hypercalcemia of malignancy.
In its severe form, hypercalcemia may be a life-threatening emergency.
The most common cause of high calcium levels is excess PTH which is released by the parathyroid glands.
Hypercalcemia is usually a result of overactive parathyroid glands.
These four tiny glands are situated in the neck, near the thyroid gland.
Other causes of hypercalcemia include cancer, certain other medical disorders, some medications, and taking too much of calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Too much calcium can cause joint pain.
Excess calcium can also cause muscle pain, mood disorders, abdominal pain and kidney stones.
When too much calcium builds up and deposits into your joint, it can cause debilitating pain and significantly reduce your ability to move your arm and shoulder.
And it's not an issue that can be ignored because the calcium levels will continue to increase, thereby causing more pain until it is treated.
Excess calcium makes your kidneys work harder to filter it.
This can cause excessive thirst and frequent urination. Digestive system.
Hypercalcemia can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting and constipation.
Calcium is a mineral most often associated with healthy bones and teeth, although it also plays an important role in blood clotting, helping muscles to contract, and regulating normal heart rhythms and nerve functions.
If your body doesn't get enough calcium and vitamin D to support important functions, it takes calcium from your bones.
This is called losing bone mass. Losing bone mass makes the inside of your bones become weak and porous.
This puts you at risk for the bone disease osteoporosis.
Calcium carbonate supplements tends to be the best value, because they contain the highest amount of elemental calcium (about 40% by weight).
Because calcium carbonate requires stomach acid for absorption, it's best to take this product with food.
Signs that your calcium are low include.
Confusion or memory loss.
Muscle spasms.
Numbness and tingling in the hands, feet, and face.
Depression.
Hallucinations.
Muscle cramps.
Weak and brittle nails.
Easy fracturing of the bones.
Low levels of calcium can cause extreme fatigue, which involves a lack of energy and an overall feeling of sluggishness.
It can also lead to insomnia.
Fatigue associated with a calcium deficiency can also involve lightheadedness, dizziness, and brain fog which is characterized by a lack of focus, forgetfulness, and confusion.
Most people who take calcium citrate experience little or no stomach upset.
This makes it a good choice when compared to other forms of calcium that can cause constipation or gas.
Senior with low stomach acid often find this to be a good choice.