What do high calcium levels mean?

Calcium is best known for keeping our bones and teeth strong, but it also plays a vital role in muscle function, nerve signalling and hormone balance. Most of the calcium in the body is stored in the bones, with only a small amount circulating in the blood. When those blood levels rise above the normal range, it is known as hypercalcaemia.

High calcium levels can sometimes cause no symptoms at all, but in other cases they may lead to tiredness, digestive issues, increased thirst or even problems with the heart and kidneys. Because calcium is so closely linked with many body processes, keeping an eye on your levels can give you important insight into your overall health.

Why might calcium levels become too high?

There are several reasons why calcium levels in the blood can rise. Often, it is linked with how the body regulates calcium through the bones, kidneys and hormones. Some of the most common causes include:

• Overactive parathyroid glands – Small glands in the neck control calcium levels. If one or more become overactive, they can release too much parathyroid hormone, leading to higher calcium in the blood.

• Certain medications – Some medicines, such as lithium or high-dose calcium or vitamin D supplements, may increase calcium levels.

• Medical conditions – Conditions affecting the bones, kidneys, thyroid or certain cancers can sometimes cause calcium to rise.

• Dehydration – Low fluid levels in the body can make calcium more concentrated in the blood.

• Other health factors – Prolonged immobility, adrenal disorders or excess vitamin D intake can also play a role.

Because there are many possible causes, testing can help identify whether calcium levels are within the healthy range and if further investigation might be needed.

What symptoms can high calcium cause?

Not everyone with raised calcium levels will notice symptoms, but when they do appear, they may affect different parts of the body. Some of the more common signs include:

• Feeling unusually tired or weak

• Nausea, constipation or stomach discomfort

• Increased thirst and needing to urinate more often

• Headaches or difficulty concentrating

• Bone pain or muscle weakness

In more severe cases, high calcium can affect the heart rhythm or put extra strain on the kidneys. It may also contribute to problems such as kidney stones or long-term bone loss if left unchecked. Because these symptoms can overlap with other health conditions, a blood test is often the clearest way to confirm whether calcium levels are playing a role. Regular monitoring makes it easier to spot changes early and take steps to protect your overall wellbeing.

How is calcium controlled in the body?

The body carefully balances calcium between the bones and blood. This is managed mainly by the parathyroid glands, kidneys and vitamin D.

• Parathyroid glands release hormones that adjust how much calcium is taken from or stored in the bones.

• Kidneys help regulate how much calcium is removed in urine.

• Vitamin D supports the absorption of calcium from food into the bloodstream.

When this balance is disrupted, blood calcium may rise or fall outside the normal range. Monitoring these levels can help highlight how well the body is managing this process.

Is high calcium always a cause for concern?

High calcium levels can sometimes be mild and temporary, especially if linked with dehydration or recent supplement use. In other cases, it may be a sign of an underlying issue that needs attention.

The key is to understand whether your calcium levels are consistently high and what might be driving the change. Regular testing makes it easier to spot patterns early and take steps to protect your long-term health.

Lifestyle factors that affect calcium balance

Certain lifestyle habits can support healthy calcium levels and overall wellbeing:

• Stay hydrated – Drinking enough water helps your kidneys regulate calcium.

• Balanced diet – A diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D supports bone and muscle health, without relying on excessive supplements.

• Regular movement – Weight-bearing exercise helps strengthen bones and keeps calcium balance healthy.

• Limit high salt intake – Too much salt can affect calcium levels in the urine.

• Avoid over-supplementing – More isn’t always better. Taking high doses of calcium or vitamin D without medical advice can raise calcium unnecessarily.

These steps may not directly treat high calcium, but they help create the best conditions for your body to maintain balance.

When should you check your calcium levels?

Because high calcium often causes few or vague symptoms, the best way to know your levels is through a blood test. It can be especially useful to test if you:

• Experience persistent fatigue, digestive issues or unexplained thirst

• Have a history of kidney or thyroid conditions

• Take regular supplements or medications that might affect calcium

• Have a family history of calcium or parathyroid problems

Testing gives you a clearer understanding of your body and can highlight whether further follow-up is needed with your GP or specialist.

How health assessments can help

A Bluecrest Wellness Health MOT includes a wide range of blood tests that look at key health markers, including calcium. By checking your calcium levels alongside kidney, liver and thyroid function, you gain a fuller picture of your health and can take steps to address any imbalances early.

Appointments are available across the UK with fast results from accredited laboratories. This gives you the reassurance of knowing where your health stands and the ability to make informed decisions about next steps.

Conclusion: understanding high calcium levels

Calcium is vital for bone, muscle and nerve health, but too much in the blood can sometimes point to an underlying issue. Because symptoms are not always obvious, a simple blood test is often the best way to find out if your levels are within the healthy range.

If you want to understand more about your calcium levels and overall wellbeing, book a private Health MOT today. You’ll gain valuable insights into your health with fast, accurate results and guidance on what to do next.

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