• Published on: Dec 08, 2021
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Is A Calcium Blood Test?

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What is a calcium blood test?

The calcium blood test is a simple and popularly used test for determining one's "risk" for a variety of diseases.  A patient will typically have in-office phlebotomy to obtain blood, with lab technicians then taking the sample to check the level of calcium in the blood with point-of-care laboratory equipment.

Due to its accuracy and low cost, it is used extensively in clinical laboratories as a screening tool for numerous conditions related to metabolic disorders such as diabetes or hyperparathyroidism including but not limited to increased risk of bone fractures.

The 'calcium blood test is performed to determine the calcium concentration in the blood. The level of calcium varies with age, habitation location, pregnancy status, and medications being taken. Calcium plays an important role in muscular relaxation, nerve impulse transmission, regulating vital body activity, bone metabolism, and also enables teeth mineralization.

A calcium blood test checks for an imbalance in the levels of two types of calcium in the bloodstream. It measures the level of ionized and total serum calcium. If one exceeds the other, it can be a sign that there is a problem with absorbing or regulating all types of calcium.

In recent years new research has emerged suggesting that typical Western diets—which are high in sugar intake—both promote not only diabetes but also cardiovascular disease by causing chronic stress on our body’s ability to regulate glucose metabolism and to create insulin resistance, which triggers high levels of sugar-induced inflammation toxins (specifical fructose) that interfere with cellular metabolism and DNA signaling pathways.

A calcium blood test is a procedure that measures the amount of calcium in your blood. Depending on how high or low the levels are, this could mean many things. A high level of serum calcium indicates hypercalcemia. This usually occurs when there is excessive production of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by abnormal cells in your body, such as teratoma cancers and certain types of malignancies or polycythemia vera. The excess PTH increases renal clearance and resorption rates so you excrete more calcium than normal through urination, causing increased levels in the bloodstream. It may also occur with hyperparathyroidism (also called primary hyperparathyroidism), mineral bone disease.

The calcium blood test measures the amount of calcium in the blood and is used to screen for potential health problems such as kidney disease, intestinal bypass surgery, and pseudo fractures. A pseudo proximal fracture (also known as a false fracture) is a break on an X-ray that does not occur at or near a joint. Pseudo proximal fractures are more easily seen on bone films than plain films because they show calcification throughout the length of the bone where they usually do not appear on X-rays. Pseudo proximal fractures can be caused by any injury which pulls hard enough to allow quick formation of xanthotic new bone — 24 hours — just before healing occurs.

The estrogen hormone in girls and older women controls the level of calcium in their blood. Estrogen helps make more of the protein that keeps the body's calcium in the bones. It also tightens up muscle cells so they can't let go of this stored-up calcium when a bone is resorbed; instead, it stays around to keep bones strong. This means your child will need to eat about 2,500 mg per day - many times what she needs for bone health alone - just to maintain proper function!

High dietary intake early on encourages even stronger kidney lfts among 6-year-olds with type 1 diabetes. Testosterone levels also play a role because it regulates the production of an enzyme necessary for normal blood.

This blood test measures the level of calcium in someone's blood. The inverse correlation between bone density and fracture risk may have led to a common belief that increases in circulating levels of calcitriol, consistent with an increase in dietary intake, should be associated with a higher bone mineral content and a lower occurrence of fractures.

One way to measure calcium during a blood test is with the presence of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D. If PTH levels are low, it may suggest the body does not need more calcium. Low or absent levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) may indicate:

  • the bone marrow has been destroyed and is no longer synthesizing new red blood cells
  • high liver fibrosis interfering with the production of PTH by the thyroid gland
  • irreversible kidney damage or chronic renal failure

Lower than average levels for this exam would include goiter/low iodine intake, eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, malabsorption such as celiac disease. Higher

The calcium blood test measures the level of calcium in the person's bloodstream. Certain heart or kidney problems can show up on this particular type of test, but it is more commonly used to detect hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia is generally caused by cancer cells which are rapidly increasing in number and will often cause symptoms that include bone pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and confusion. It can also sometimes lead to arrhythmias or altered mental states.

A calcium blood test measures the level of calcium in the blood. This reveals how much protein you're breaking down to provide your tissues with extra energy because protein is broken down into its main component--glucose (or sugar).

Osteoporosis, osteopenia, or bone fracture prevention.

High levels of vitamin D deficiency.

Metabolic acidosis (not enough acid in bloodstream) .

Kidney failure.

Lactate buildup due to anaerobic metabolism. The body switches from aerobic metabolism for simple tasks to anaerobic metabolism when you run out of oxygen during intense exercise, causing lactate accumulation that can lead to fatigue.

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How Walking Daily Affects Your Blood Pressure

How Walking Daily Affects Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called the "silent killer" because it can lead to serious problems like heart attacks and strokes—without any warning signs. But here’s some good news: one of the easiest ways to lower your blood pressure naturally doesn’t cost a thing. It’s simply walking.

In this blog, we’ll explore how walking daily affects your blood pressure, why it works, how much to do, and simple ways to include it in your daily routine.

 

Understanding Blood Pressure

Your blood pressure (BP) is the force your blood exerts against your artery walls. It’s measured in two numbers:

  • Systolic (upper number) – pressure when your heart beats
     

  • Diastolic (lower number) – pressure when your heart rests
     

A normal BP is around 120/80 mmHg. Higher than this, especially long-term, increases your risk of heart disease, kidney failure, and stroke.

 

Why Walking Works

Regular walking is a form of aerobic exercise, which gets your heart pumping and your blood flowing. This helps:

  • Improve the elasticity of blood vessels
     

  • Reduce artery stiffness
     

  • Promote better circulation
     

  • Lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels
     

  • Reduce body fat, especially around the abdomen
     

As a result, walking can naturally reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure over time.

 

What Does Science Say?

Numerous studies show walking can lower blood pressure:

  • A study published in Hypertension journal found that brisk walking for 30 minutes a day can reduce systolic BP by 5–10 mmHg.
     

  • Another meta-analysis concluded that walking consistently for 3 months had a significant impact on lowering BP in people with pre-hypertension and stage 1 hypertension.
     

 

How Much Should You Walk?

The sweet spot is:

  • 30 minutes of brisk walking
     

  • At least 5 days a week
     

  • If possible, aim for 10,000 steps per day
     

Even short bouts—like 10 minutes three times a day—are beneficial if you’re just starting out.

 

Additional Health Benefits of Walking

Walking daily doesn’t just help blood pressure; it:

  • Boosts heart and lung capacity
     

  • Reduces stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline)
     

  • Improves mood and sleep
     

  • Helps manage weight
     

  • Increases insulin sensitivity
     

  • Strengthens bones and muscles
     

All these factors play a role in maintaining healthy blood pressure.

 

Walking Reduces Stress = Lower BP

Chronic stress raises blood pressure. Walking helps:

  • Lower stress hormone levels
     

  • Release endorphins (feel-good chemicals)
     

  • Calm your nervous system
     

A simple 15-minute walk in nature can do wonders for your mind and body.

 

How to Make Walking a Habit

Here are easy tips to stay consistent:

  1. Schedule it like a meeting – same time each day
     

  2. Listen to music or podcasts – make it enjoyable
     

  3. Walk with a friend – keeps you accountable
     

  4. Break it up – 10 mins morning, 10 mins lunch, 10 mins evening
     

  5. Track your steps – use a smartwatch or phone app
     

  6. Take the stairs or walk short errands – it all adds up
     

 

What to Watch For

While walking is safe, take precautions if:

  • You have heart problems
     

  • You experience dizziness or chest pain
     

  • You’re over 60 and new to exercise
     

In such cases, consult your doctor before starting.

 

Lab Tests You Can Book via SecondMedic

Want to keep an eye on your blood pressure and related risk factors? These tests help:

  • Complete Lipid Profile – for cholesterol
     

  • Blood Pressure Monitoring (Ambulatory BP)
     

  • HbA1c or Fasting Blood Sugar – if you have diabetes
     

  • Kidney Function Test (KFT)
     

  • Electrolyte Panel
     

You can book these online via SecondMedic.com, with home sample collection from labs like Thyrocare.

 

Conclusion

Walking is a powerful yet gentle way to control blood pressure naturally. Whether you're already on medication or just starting your BP journey, walking can reduce risk, improve energy, and support your overall well-being.

Now that you know how walking daily affects your blood pressure, put on your walking shoes and take that first step—literally!

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