One of the most important elements, which is involved in many metabolic reactions and performs a number of vital physiological functions in the body of an individual, is calcium. Therefore, any deviations from the permissible limits of the norm lead to pathology and the failure of metabolic processes. A blood test for calcium, what is it and why is it needed? This will be discussed further.
The role of calcium in the body
Calcium not only provides strength to teeth and bones. He also takes part:
- hemostatic system;
- contraction of the atria and ventricles;
- the work of the neuro-humoral system;
- metabolic processes;
- the functioning of the endocrine glands;
- mechanisms of cell reception.
The named substance helps the body fight the effects of radiation, reduces the intensity of allergic reactions, and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, it is important to control its level with a blood test for calcium. What it is? This is a biochemical study that includes the determination of indicators of both total and ionized calcium.
The body of a practically healthy individual contains about one and a half kilograms. At the same time, only one percent is present in the bloodstream, the remaining part is in the bone structures. About half of this element is in ionized form, and the other in the form of phosphate salts or compounds with albumin. Calcium metabolism is regulated by vitamin D, calcitonin and parathyroid hormone.
In what cases is a study prescribed?
A biochemical blood test for calcium is performed both routinely and for the purpose of prophylaxis or with suspected kidney, bone, heart, nervous system diseases. And also the following pathological conditions are an indication for its purpose:
- cramps
- osteoporosis;
- polyuria;
- hyperthyroidism;
- cachexia;
- other.
The results obtained make it possible to preliminarily evaluate calcium metabolism in the body. In case of deviations from the permissible values, the doctor recommends additional types of studies with which the cause of the decrease or increase in the level of this element is identified.
How to pass a blood test for calcium?
To do this, you must first prepare by performing the following simple steps:
- A day before the delivery of biomaterial refuse heavy physical exertion. Try not to overload emotionally.
- On the eve, exclude heavy foods, alcohol and foods containing large amounts of calcium from the diet.
- Any physiotherapy and hardware types of research should be transferred to another day.
- Inform the doctor in advance about the medications taken.
- Blood is given on an empty stomach.
Why is vitamin D testing necessary?
In adult individuals, a failure of calcium metabolism provokes serious consequences, one of which is osteoporosis. This vitamin is involved in the metabolism of both phosphorus and calcium. A blood test for vitamin D is shown to all future mothers, since this substance takes part in the formation of the baby’s skeleton, prevents the occurrence of varicose veins in a pregnant woman, and preserves the beauty and health of teeth, nails and hair.
In addition, vitamin is necessary for the full functioning of the thyroid gland, the immune system, blood coagulation, and cell reproduction. If it is not enough, then tremor, muscle weakness occurs, the work of the heart and kidneys is disrupted.
The role of phosphorus in the body
About eighty-five percent of this macrocell is concentrated in bone tissue, and the remaining fifteen are in tissues and body fluids. Together with calcium, he is responsible for strong teeth and bones, is involved in the restoration of muscle tissue, cleansing the kidneys, and regenerating cells. If its level becomes less than the lower limit of the norm, then the energy exchange is disrupted. A slight decrease proceeds without symptoms. An increase in phosphorus is provoked by severe pathological conditions: myelogenous leukemia, tumors, diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure and others.
Doctors recommend taking a biochemical blood test for phosphorus and calcium in pairs when preparing for surgery, suspected gastric ulcer, malignant neoplasm, and urolithiasis. If the calcium content is too high, the phosphorus concentration decreases and vice versa, with a decrease in calcium, the amount of phosphorus increases. Both violations are considered abnormal.
The rate of calcium in the blood. Factors affecting its level
What is a blood test for calcium? The presence of calcium in the blood is considered an important laboratory indicator. Only due to its presence in the acceptable range is it capable of performing its functions. Therefore, the control, which is carried out according to the results of analysis for total and ionized calcium, is necessary for the normal functioning of the individual's body.
Normally, its concentration should not go beyond the permissible limits: 2.15–2.5 mmol / l. In children, this figure is lower. The norm for ionized calcium is from 1.1 to 1.4. The indicators depend on:
- from age;
- metabolic processes in bone tissue;
- kidney reabsorption;
- quality of absorption of the intestinal mucosa;
- the presence of phosphorus and other trace elements.
In addition, the following substances affect its level:
- Parathyroid hormone - excess production of this substance and a high level of phosphorus trigger processes in the body that inhibit the formation of bone structures. As a result, the amount of calcium in the blood increases, while in the bone tissue it decreases.
- Vitamin D3 - contributes to an increase in plasma calcium due to an increase in its absorption in the intestine.
- Calcitonin - reduces its concentration in the bloodstream and transfers it to the bone tissue.
Calcium consumption increases in stress, when smoking and drinking coffee. This macro element does not come with limited consumption of nuts, fish, green vegetables, and strict diets. In the event of a lack of vitamin D in the body, it is poorly absorbed and a small amount of calcium in the blood is observed. What kind of analysis must be passed to find out its level, the doctor will explain.
Another type of study
A blood test for ionized calcium is another type of test. This is calcium, which is not associated with substances, it circulates freely in the bloodstream. It is important to remember that it is he who is more involved in metabolic processes.
A blood test for ionized calcium makes it possible to analyze calcium metabolism. It is carried out in conjunction with the determination of total calcium, as well as acidity. This analysis is recommended in such cases:
- during the hemodialysis procedure;
- diagnosis of hyperfunctions of the parathyroid glands and oncological diseases;
- taking calcium supplements, bicarbonates and Heparin;
- conducting therapeutic measures after surgery, extensive injuries and burns.
Causes of Calcium Decrease - Hypocalcemia
Most often, the reason for this phenomenon is a low amount of albumin, which is part of the blood. In this case, ionized calcium is within normal limits, and a deficiency is noted only in protein, i.e., a failure of calcium metabolism is not recorded. The factors listed below can also affect its decline:
- Reception of antiepileptic and laxatives, glucocorticoids, cytostatics.
- Acute lack of magnesium.
- Rickets in the baby.
- Kidney disease.
- Severe diarrhea.
- Cirrhosis of the liver.
- Acute pancreatitis.
- Vitamin D vitamin deficiency
- High phosphate levels in the blood.
- The presence of osteoblastic metastases.
- Immunity to parathyroid hormone.
- Parathyroid dysfunction or condition after removal.
Signs of hypocalcemia. Food treatment
The main symptoms indicating a low level of calcium are drowsiness, confusion, cramps in the feet and hands, reversible heart failure. In addition, the individual is worried:
- headache;
- memory problems
- numbness of the fingers;
- pain in joints and bones;
- pressure drops;
- epigastric pain;
- fragility of nails;
- caries;
- periodontal disease.
To raise the level of calcium, it is recommended to adjust your diet to include:
- dairy products;
- dried fruits;
- fish
- nuts
- legumes;
- vegetable oils;
- fruit juices;
- chocolate;
- cocoa;
- cabbage;
- bran bread.
Additionally, the doctor will prescribe drugs containing this element.
Causes of Increased Calcium
If a blood test for calcium showed that the indicators are too high, then this means that all its forms are exceeded. This condition is characterized as hypercalcemia. Basically, all cases of this condition are associated with its penetration from bone tissue into the bloodstream or from consumed food, when renal clearance of calcium is reduced.
The reasons for this condition:
- Cardiovascular pathology.
- Neoplasms of the parathyroid glands.
- Hemoblastosis.
- Sarcoidosis
- Kidney disease.
- Thyrotoxicosis.
- Excess Vitamin D.
- Prolonged immobilization associated with injuries.
Symptoms of hypercalcemia. Treatment
The following clinical picture is characteristic of an increase in calcium in the blood:
- urolithiasis disease;
- pyelonephritis;
- fatigue
- nausea;
- vomiting
- persistent weakness;
- constipation.
Having identified the cause of the increase, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment. It consists in normalizing the drinking regimen. In some cases, it is recommended to increase the amount of fluid consumed, since in this case, the kidneys will more actively remove calcium from the body. Sometimes resort to intravenous infusions. Mandatory medication that impedes the destruction of bone tissue. A hardware hemodialysis procedure may be required. In the presence of some concomitant pathologies, corticosteroids are indicated.
Now you know what it is - a blood test for calcium. It allows you to identify and timely begin therapy of pathological conditions that develop with a deficiency or excess of this macrocell.