Hyperparathyroidism Support Group
Hyperparathyroidism is overactivity of the parathyroid glands resulting in excess production of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Increased PTH consequently leads to increased serum calcium (hypercalcemia) due to 1) increased bone resorption, allowing flow of calcium from bone to blood, 2) reduces renal clearance of calcium, and 3) increases intestinal calcium absorption.
Hi there everyone...
My son is 20 years old. He went for a work physical last week. His blood pressure was extremely high. So high, they would not do the "physical" part of the testing. I took him over the weekend to have it re-checked it was 170/100. So on Monday we went to the doctor. It was still high (now this run in our family) so we thought it was hereditary. But they did a complete blood work up. The doctor called me yesterday and told me his calcium level is 10.9, so they had him come back to run a thyroid screening. I'm waiting on those results now.
I have been researching like crazy since yesterday. I have read that is is almost never normal to have a high calcium level. Most of the time high calcium is related to the parathyroid....I have also read the best treatment is surgery.
He has always been very anxious and at time run down..
My question is, should I make an appointment with an endorinologist regardless what the thyroid test shows? or have the calcium level re-checked at a later date?
Thank you all in advanced! :)
My son is 20 years old. He went for a work physical last week. His blood pressure was extremely high. So high, they would not do the "physical" part of the testing. I took him over the weekend to have it re-checked it was 170/100. So on Monday we went to the doctor. It was still high (now this run in our family) so we thought it was hereditary. But they did a complete blood work up. The doctor called me yesterday and told me his calcium level is 10.9, so they had him come back to run a thyroid screening. I'm waiting on those results now.
I have been researching like crazy since yesterday. I have read that is is almost never normal to have a high calcium level. Most of the time high calcium is related to the parathyroid....I have also read the best treatment is surgery.
He has always been very anxious and at time run down..
My question is, should I make an appointment with an endorinologist regardless what the thyroid test shows? or have the calcium level re-checked at a later date?
Thank you all in advanced! :)
It sounds like your son needs to have testing for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Yes, it's always indicated when there is a high calcium because parathryoid glands control blood calcium levels. The primary care provider can check: parathryoid hormone (PTH), serum calcium, (ionized calcium is good to check too because it shows the calcium that's bio-available and it may be higher, e.g., at higher risk for stroke, than serum calcium indicates) and vitamin D, as these all correlate.
Generally, a primary care provider will not refer to an endocrinologist until it's clear there's an endocrinology issue (and yes as you may know, PHPT is one).
I hope that helps!
Peace and blessings to you and your wonderful son,
ASpell