The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Hypocalcemia

Blood calcium falling below normal; may cause muscle cramps, tetany, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Endokrinoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Hypocalcemia?

Hypocalcemia is a fall in serum total calcium below 8.5 mg/dL (or ionized calcium below 1.12 mmol/L). In patients with low albumin levels, a 'corrected calcium' value should be calculated.

Common causes include: hypoparathyroidism after thyroid or parathyroid surgery, vitamin D deficiency, chronic kidney disease, acute pancreatitis, and pseudohypoparathyroidism. Mild chronic hypocalcemia may be asymptomatic, but acute or severe drops can cause tetany, laryngospasm, and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.

Trousseau's sign (wrist and finger contraction when the blood-pressure cuff is inflated) and Chvostek's sign (facial muscle twitching when the facial nerve is tapped) indicate neuromuscular hyperexcitability.

Symptoms

Numbness and tingling in the hands, feet, and lips
Muscle cramps and tetany
Facial muscle twitching (Chvostek's sign)
Wrist and hand contraction (Trousseau's sign)
Laryngospasm and shortness of breath (severe cases)
Palpitations and ECG changes (long QT)
Dry skin, brittle nails, and cataracts (in chronic hypoparathyroidism)

Risk Factors

Thyroid or parathyroid surgery
Chronic kidney failure
Vitamin D deficiency or malabsorption
Patients with hypomagnesemia
Acute pancreatitis
Chemotherapy (cisplatin, bisphosphonates)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When numbness and cramps in the hands and feet begin
  • Difficulty breathing and throat tightness (emergency!)
  • After thyroid or parathyroid surgery
  • When low calcium is detected on blood testing

Treatment Methods

01
Acute symptomatic hypocalcemia: IV calcium gluconate infusion (with careful monitoring)
02
Chronic hypoparathyroidism: active vitamin D (calcitriol) + oral calcium
03
Vitamin D deficiency: cholecalciferol replacement
04
Magnesium deficiency must be corrected first (PTH release is impaired without Mg)
05
Target serum calcium: 8.0-8.5 mg/dL (keeping at the lower end, in the absence of symptoms, reduces hypercalciuria)
06
Urinary calcium monitoring: to prevent kidney stones and nephrocalcinosis

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Endokrinoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Endokrinoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.