hypercalcemia

noun

hy·​per·​cal·​ce·​mia ˌhī-pər-ˌkal-ˈsē-mē-ə How to pronounce hypercalcemia (audio)
: an excess of calcium in the blood
hypercalcemic adjective

Examples of hypercalcemia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Too much vitamin D increases calcium absorption in the digestive tract, contributing to high calcium (hypercalcemia). Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 10 July 2024 High blood calcium levels, or hypercalcemia, may cause symptoms like nausea and vomiting, frequent urination, and excessive thirst. Barbara Brody, Health, 9 June 2024 People who take calcium supplements: Lysine may increase the amount of calcium your body absorbs, which could potentially lead to hypercalcemia. Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 6 June 2024 In more extreme cases, hypercalcemia (high serum calcium) or hypercalciuria (high urine calcium) can cause poor muscle tone, renal insufficiency, weight loss, fatigue, polyuria, heart arrhythmias, and a higher risk of heart disease. Casey Seiden, Parents, 30 May 2024 Also, if someone is taking very high doses of vitamin D for health reasons (as directed by their doctor), taking vitamin K may help reduce certain risks associated with vitamin D toxicity, such as the buildup of calcium in the bloodstream, also known as hypercalcemia. Discover Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 Individuals with certain conditions such as hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood) or heart disease should exercise caution when taking high doses of vitamin D. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Aug. 2023 However, excessive intake can lead to adverse effects, such as hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood). Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Aug. 2023 Adverse side effects include hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in the blood), which can lead to muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and dehydration. Anne Cook Carroll, Ms, Parents, 3 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hypercalcemia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypercalcemia was in 1925

Dictionary Entries Near hypercalcemia

Cite this Entry

“Hypercalcemia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypercalcemia. Accessed 16 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

hypercalcemia

noun
hy·​per·​cal·​ce·​mia
variants or chiefly British hypercalcaemia
: the presence of an excess of calcium in the blood
hypercalcemic adjective
or chiefly British hypercalcaemic

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