Hypocalcaemia
Hypocalcaemia means low levels of calcium in the blood, which can cause a range of symptoms and, if severe, requires prompt assessment and treatment. Calcium is essential for muscle function, nerve signalling, and bone health.
Common symptoms
- tingling or numbness around the mouth, fingers, and toes
- muscle cramps or spasms
- fatigue
- anxiety
- in severe cases, seizures or an irregular heartbeat
What we offer
- same-day blood tests measuring calcium, parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, magnesium, and kidney function
- identification of the underlying cause
- a personalised treatment plan tailored to severity
Confirming the cause
Low calcium is interpreted with albumin or ionised calcium, parathyroid hormone, magnesium, phosphate, vitamin D and kidney function. Causes include parathyroid problems, vitamin D deficiency, kidney disease, medicines and acute illness. An unexpected result may need prompt repetition.
Treatment and monitoring
Treatment depends on severity, symptoms and cause. Mild cases may use oral calcium or vitamin D, while severe symptomatic hypocalcaemia may require intravenous calcium and heart monitoring. Magnesium deficiency must also be addressed when present.
UK-wide video consultations
Stable results and longer-term treatment can usually be reviewed securely by video, with tests arranged locally. Muscle spasm, breathing difficulty, seizures, collapse or significant palpitations may indicate severe hypocalcaemia and requires urgent care.