What Is a Calcium Ion?
Free calcium ions are crucial for the proper functioning of the body's cells, including nerve cells, muscles, and cell membranes. To ensure that these vital functions work as they should, the level of calcium in the form of ions must be maintained within certain limits or reference ranges. Changes in calcium ion levels can affect health and lead to various medical conditions.
The biologically active form of calcium refers to the free calcium ions. Levels of calcium ions can be influenced by various medical conditions, such as issues with the parathyroid glands, which secrete the hormone parathormone or PTH (hyper- or hypoparathyroidism), vitamin D deficiency, difficulties in calcium absorption (malabsorption), or kidney problems (uremia).
What Does a Low Calcium Ion Level Mean?
A low level of calcium ions in the blood, a medical condition known as hypocalcemia, can have various negative effects on the body and give rise to several different symptoms. Muscle problems, such as cramps, weakness, and tingling, are common, as are heart issues, including irregular heartbeats and potential arrhythmias.
What Does a High Calcium Ion Level Mean?
An elevated level of calcium ions in the blood, referred to as hypercalcemia, means that the concentration of calcium ions in the blood is higher than the normal reference range. Hypercalcemia can lead to several symptoms and affect various bodily functions, including muscle weakness, fatigue, and the risk of calcium deposition in tissues and organs, including the kidneys and blood vessels, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Moreover, hypercalcemia can lead to kidney stones through the formation of calcium crystals in urine and affect the filtering capacity of the kidneys, leading to urinary problems.
Reference Range in Calcium Ion Analysis
The normal reference range for calcium ions (Ca²⁺) in the blood can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the analysis method used. However, the typical reference range is 1.15 - 1.35 mmol/L.
