Is Your High Calcium Level a Sign of Primary Hyperparathyroidism?
Is Your High Calcium Level a Sign of Primary Hyperparathyroidism?
What's This About?
Primary hyperparathyroidism often sneaks up on people, but high calcium levels can be a telltale sign. Discover what this condition entails and why it's important to diagnose and manage it effectively.
Contents
- Understanding Primary Hyperparathyroidism
- Diagnosing PHPT
- Secondary Conditions and PHPT
Understanding Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a condition where the parathyroid glands secrete too much hormone, leading to elevated calcium levels in the blood. This condition is often discovered during routine blood tests when high calcium levels are found. Despite its often asymptomatic nature, PHPT can lead to serious health issues if left untreated.
Diagnosing PHPT
Diagnosing PHPT involves confirming high calcium levels and measuring parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. If PTH levels are elevated or normal despite high calcium levels, PHPT is likely. Further tests, like 24-hour urinary calcium excretion, can help differentiate PHPT from other conditions like familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH).
Secondary Conditions and PHPT
PHPT can be complicated by secondary conditions such as vitamin D deficiency and kidney disease, which must be ruled out to confirm a PHPT diagnosis. Vitamin D deficiency can mask hypercalcemia, making diagnosis tricky, while kidney disease can influence calcium levels and PTH secretion.
FAQs
What is primary hyperparathyroidism?
It's a condition where the parathyroid glands overproduce hormone, raising calcium levels.
How is PHPT diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves high calcium levels and elevated or normal PTH levels despite hypercalcemia.
Can PHPT be asymptomatic?
Yes, many people don't experience symptoms initially.
How can PHPT affect vitamin D levels?
Vitamin D deficiency can mask PHPT symptoms, complicating diagnosis.
Is PHPT hereditary?
Some forms of PHPT have a genetic component, especially in familial cases.
Key Takeaways
Could your unexplained high calcium levels be a sign of PHPT?
Additional References
- Bilezikian JP, Khan AA, Silverberg SJ, et al. Evaluation and Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Summary Statement and Guidelines from the Fifth International Workshop. J Bone Miner Res 2022; 37:2293.
- Minisola S, Arnold A, Belaya Z, et al. Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Genetics of Primary Hyperparathyroidism. J Bone Miner Res 2022; 37:2315.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.