What is hypokalacemia?
Hypocalcemia is a health condition characterized by reduced calcium calcium levels. Most calcium in our blood is bound in proteins, but about half of it is present in a solution as an ionized calcium. This second type is what is regulated by the body, and hypocalcemia sets when this type of calcium is too low. Calcium is an essential part of many chemical functions in the body, including the transmission of signals along the nerves and various cellular processes. For this reason, a serious hypokalcaemia may be a life -threatening if it is not treated.
It is generally known that our bones depend on calcium for its own maintenance and repair. Almost all - 99% - calcium in our body is located in bones and teeth. The remaining one percent is found in liquids such as blood. Its gentle balance is maintained by hormones of parathyroids and calcitonin, as well as vitamin D. calcium levels are also indirectly influenced by magnesium and phosphorems levels S.
Hykocalcemia symptoms are many but one of the first to seekL, is a twitching of nerves or muscles, called neuromuscular irritability. Calcium acts as a neurotransmitter and this symptom causes if it is not present in sufficiently high quantities. Muscle cramps, as well as numbness and tingling in the limbs, are not unusual.
Some of the more serious symptoms are mental confusion and irregular heart rhythm. These two, especially the last, indicate the need for emergency medical care. Yet it is very rare to die as a direct result of hypokalcemia, but it happened.
Many factors can contribute to the presence of hypocalcemia. It can be a symptom of numerous different disorders, including kidney failure, vitamin D deficiency or alcoholism. Hypocalcaemia can also be one of the complications of chemotherapy. Excessive recipient and other chemicals found in non -alcoholic beverages can infuse calcium from bones and some antibiotics mayinhibit the body's ability to absorb calcium.
Hypocalcemia is completely prevention of disorder. The right diet, which includes dairy products, grains and leafy vegetables such as spinach, should be enough to effectively prevent it. Calcium supplements can also help, but it is important to realize that calcium must be accompanied by vitamin D for the body to be taken. Many calcium supplements are made with a certain amount of vitamin D, specifically for this purpose.