Abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood, typically above 10.5 mg/dL. Can cause kidney stones, bone problems, confusion, and heart rhythm abnormalities.
From Greek 'hyper' (excessive), Latin 'calx' (lime/calcium), and Greek 'haima' (blood). The term became important in the mid-20th century as automated blood chemistry analyzers made routine calcium measurement possible.
Hypercalcemia has a memorable mnemonic: 'stones, bones, groans, and psychiatric moans' - referring to kidney stones, bone disease, abdominal pain, and mental changes. Most cases are caused by overactive parathyroid glands, tiny organs most people don't know they have but which precisely control calcium levels.
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