Calcium plays an essential role in the body, and too high or too low levels in the blood influences the proper functioning of the heart. Endocrinologist Ruxandra Dobrescu explains how this happens and how the level of calcium in the blood can be maintained in normal parameters.
The level of calcium in the blood influences the good functioning of the photo of the photo: the archive
Not only the bone system, but our body is entirely influenced by the level of calcium, explains the primary endocrinologist Dr. Ruxandra Dobrescu, in a series of articles posted on his blog www.ruxandradobrescu.com.
“We all know that our bones are made up largely of calcium and we also know how important bones are for us. We use practically a skeleton to have support in walking, in any actual movement, and in addition the bones offer protection for our internal organs. In addition and very important, the bones have a metabolic role, because they are true calcium, phosphorus and carbonate deposits, which can be mobilized according to the needs of the body. In addition to the role of building material for bones, calcium is very important for the proper functioning of our body entirely! Why? Well, because our cells use calcium as a signal molecule – that is, communicates with each other and with the surrounding environment, using (and) calcium as a mediator ”explained the doctor.
In view of the above, it should be known that the level of calcium is necessary to be maintained between strict blood limits – the optimal limits are between 8.5-10.2 mg/dl – and it is also necessary to know how to stay with the calcium level, writes Dr. Dobrescu, recommending that in the usual analyzes we make annually.
The heart cells are also used to communicate with each other, and the doctor simply explains how too high or too small calcium influences the activity of this organ.
“Too high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) can lead to arrhythmias, ECG changes and calcium deposits in the heart valves, carotid arteries and increase blood pressure values.
Too low levels of calcium (hypocalcemia) can lead to affecting the contractility of the heart, to heart failure in the case of severe imbalances and electrical conduct in the heart, arrhythmia or cardiac arrhythmias. So we don’t play! ”, warns Dr. Dobrescu.
A normal level of calcium in the blood, whether this level occurs spontaneously or on treatment, maintains the healthy heart. For treatment with vitamin D and calcium (instituted for example for osteoporosis, hypoparathyroidism, etc.), however, the doctor’s recommendation is required. “On the other hand, look, this is an additional reason why we must avoid taking bravery supplements, by ear and without medical control, so that we do not reach problems caused by non-development supplements.”draws the endocrinologist.
What happens under too much or too little parathormon conditions
The role of maintaining the normal level of calcium in the blood is the parathyroids, which are small glands at the base of the neck, behind the thyroid-hence the para-thyroid name, explains the doctor in the first article in the series dedicated to explaining the role of calcium in the health of the body.
The doctor also explained how hyperparathyroidism occurs (parathyroid glands secrete too much pathormon, or PTH) and hypoparathyroidism (insufficient pathormon secretion from the parathyroid glands).
“If the level of calcium in the blood decreases, the parathyroids feel this and increase the synthesis of PTH, which will “solve” the problem, removing calcium from warehouses (ie bones) and absorbing everything that can be from the urine. This situation is called secondary hyperparathyroidism – that is, the problem of parathyroids is secondary to another cause. When does it appear? Well, for example, it may occur in a vitamin D deficiency, which leads to lower calcium, or in renal failure-when the kidneys no longer work effectively ”, explains the doctor, on his blog. If the parathyroid glands begin to produce parathormon “by their heads”, the doctor still shows, this happens when a parathyroid node appears.
Hyperparathyroidism is treated by correcting the cause of the product.
“If it is a vitamin D deficiency, we correct it! If it is a problem with the kidneys, nephrologists will take care to ensure a correct treatment ”, notes the doctor. If the problem is the parathyroid glands, treatment is surgical and is necessary because, untreated, hyperparathyroidism leads to osteoporosis, fractures to minimal strokes (fragility fractures), kidney problems, heart (arrhythmia) and more.
Hypoparathyroidism expresses, on the contrary, an insufficient parathormon secretion from the parathyroid glands, “Which will make the level of calcium in the blood decrease, sometimes dangerous.”
“If the problem is suddenly installed Cramps appear, ropes, Muscle bundles, spasms, agitation and a bad mood. If the problem is older or installed slowly, it may not manifest at all, but the very small calcium in the blood (ie 7-7.5 mg/dl) is dangerous and must be corrected, for the extremis it can even lead to cardiac arrest ”, It is the doctor’s warning.
Hypoparathyroidism can occur after thyroid operations, especially the most complicated, explains Dr. Dobrescu, because the parathyroid glands are very sensitive and can be easily affected if they are touched in the operative or if they are affected their vascularization. “Often the hypoparathyroidism is transient, that is, it passes by itself in a few days or weeks after the operation, after they manage to recover. Sometimes hypoparathyroidism is definitive and requires life treatment to correct hypocalcemia,” add the endocrinologist.
Hypoparathyroidism can also have an autoimmune cause, when the immune system confuses the parathyroid glands with something foreign and attacks them.
“Often an autoimmune impairment of parathyroids can be associated with other autoimmune endocrine diseases, for example with Hashimoto thyroiditis, or with adrenal or 1 diabetes (autoimmune) – these situations are called autoimmun polyglandular syndrome, and must be sought and treated independently.says Dr. Dobrescu.
The treatment is done by administering generally high doses of vitamin D and calcium, and in the situation where the parathormone is missing, vitamin D from special preparations will be needed, which is given as a treatment in such special situations, carefully evaluated by the doctor.
