Hypercalcemia: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services if you are difficult to wake, faint, have a seizure, develop severe confusion, or have chest pain or a fast or irregular heartbeat.

   These signs can occur when hypercalcemia is severely affecting the brain, circulation, or heart, although they can also have other causes.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent same-day medical advice if you have a known high calcium level and develop repeated vomiting, worsening dehydration, marked weakness, increasing drowsiness, or new confusion.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange routine medical follow-up if a blood test shows high calcium, even if you feel well.

   You should also seek advice if you develop ongoing thirst, frequent urination, constipation, unexplained weakness, or recurrent kidney stones.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hypercalcemia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.