Vérkalciumszintet

Vérkalciumszintet refers to the concentration of calcium in the blood. Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions, including bone health, muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and blood clotting. The body tightly regulates blood calcium levels to maintain these critical processes.

Normal blood calcium levels are typically maintained within a narrow range. Deviations from this range can indicate underlying medical conditions. Low blood calcium, known as hypocalcemia, can manifest with symptoms such as muscle cramps, tingling sensations, and in severe cases, seizures. Causes of hypocalcemia can include vitamin D deficiency, parathyroid gland disorders, or kidney disease.

Conversely, high blood calcium, or hypercalcemia, can lead to symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, and fatigue. Prolonged or severe hypercalcemia can cause kidney stones, bone pain, and impaired kidney function. Common causes of hypercalcemia include overactive parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism), certain cancers, and excessive intake of calcium or vitamin D supplements.

The parathyroid glands, located in the neck, play a crucial role in regulating blood calcium by producing parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH increases blood calcium by stimulating its release from bones, promoting its absorption in the intestines, and reducing its excretion by the kidneys. Vitamin D also plays a key role in calcium absorption. When blood calcium levels drop, PTH is released, and when they rise, PTH secretion is suppressed. Monitoring vérkalciumszintet is a common laboratory test used to assess overall calcium balance and diagnose or manage various health issues.