Calcium Blood Test: Procedure, Normal Range and Results

A calcium blood test helps you and your doctor understand the level of calcium present in your body. Knowing this is important because your body needs a sufficient amount of different minerals to function properly. Among these is calcium, which is an important mineral. Some of the benefits of adequate calcium levels are healthy teeth and bones. With a calcium blood test, you can know the different calcium levels possible and take the necessary measures to have normal calcium levels.

Generally, any abnormality in calcium levels suggests that there is an underlying condition. Calcium deficiency also increases your risk of osteoporosis. This is because your body can’t produce calcium on its own. On the other hand, high calcium levels could not just weaken your bones but also impact your kidneys and brain. Read on to know more about calcium blood test purposes, normal levels, and some tips to have normal levels.

When and Why is a Calcium Blood Test Done? 

When you show signs of low or high calcium levels, your doctor may advise you to get a calcium blood test. Signs of low calcium levels include the following [1]: 

• Arrhythmia 
• Tingling sensation in your feet, tongue, fingers, lips 
• Dry skin 
• Brittle nails 
• Coarse hair 
• Muscle cramps

Signs of high calcium levels include the following [1]: 

• Increased urination 
• Constipation 
• Lowered appetite  
• Nausea 
• Pain in the belly or abdominal area 
• Vomiting 
• Increased thirst

Usually, a doctor may recommend a calcium blood test as a part of your routine health checkup or to monitor the effectiveness of certain health conditions or medications. A calcium blood test can help you avoid the complications of low or high calcium levels. Normal levels of calcium are important not just for teeth and bones but also for your overall health.

What are the Normal Blood Calcium Levels? 

As you age, your normal blood calcium levels change. A primary reason for this is that your body’s efficiency in absorbing calcium changes as you grow older. Apart from that, the range for normal blood calcium levels may also differ depending on the lab you get tested from. Generally, the normal range of calcium levels for an adult is in the range of 9mg/dl [2]. As a young adult or teenager, it is normal to have a higher range of calcium levels. Normal levels for older adults are lower, in comparison, whereas those over 40 years should not go above 10mg/dl.

You should also remember that your normal blood calcium levels may vary depending on your overall health and the medication you take. As such, you must visit a doctor to get a correct interpretation of your calcium blood test. They will account for all factors when assessing the results of the calcium blood test.

What do the Calcium Blood Test Results Mean? 

As mentioned above, to get an accurate interpretation of the results of your calcium blood test, you should visit a doctor. However, a basic interpretation of the results suggests either high, low, or normal blood calcium levels. Depending on your health, lifestyle, and the result of your calcium blood test, the doctor will tell you whether your calcium levels are normal. Having a low level of calcium indicates that you may have: 

• Vitamin D deficiency 
• Hypoparathyroidism 
• Celiac disease 
• Kidney failure 
• Hypomagnesemia 
• Pancreatitis

In case of high calcium levels, you may have: 

• Hyperthyroidism 
• Hyperparathyroidism 
• Tuberculosis 
• Sarcoidosis 
• Kidney failure 
• Multiple myeloma 
• Breast or lung cancer

Your lifestyle can affect calcium levels, too, and this isn’t an exhaustive list of conditions. Sometimes certain medicines prescribed to you can alter the normal blood calcium levels in the body. Other times it could be a specific medical condition.

How do you Maintain Normal Blood Calcium Levels? 

Depending on the results of your calcium blood test, you have a few options. You can make certain lifestyle changes to bring your calcium levels to the normal range. If your calcium level is high, you can lower it by doing the following: 

• Stopping calcium supplements 
• Stopping antacid tablets that are rich in calcium 
• Switching to blood pressure or non-thiazide diuretic medicine 
• Drinking more water 
• Taking medicines prescribed by a doctor  

To increase your calcium levels, you can: 

• Add dairy products to your diet 
• Consume more green leafy vegetables 
• Eat more nuts and seeds 
• Add calcium-fortified drinks and foods

With this information on calcium blood tests, normal levels, and more, make sure that you do what is needed to stay healthy. If you see any signs of high or low calcium levels, talk to your doctor first. They will assess your overall health and order a calcium blood test if needed and then create your ideal treatment plan. To consult the top doctors, book an appointment with Bajaj Finserv Health. You can also book a lab test for calcium levels or different tests like the hemoglobin test online. Top features include sample pick-up from home and online reports to help you undertake any tests with ease.

You should also look at the Complete Health Solution plans available on the platform. With these plans, you can protect your and your family’s health and get exclusive benefits such as lab test discounts, network discounts, teleconsultation, and more. This way, you can protect your loved ones and prioritize healthcare with ease.