• 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.

Read Blog
Silent Heart Attacks Are Rising Among Indians Under 40

Why Silent Heart Attacks Are Rising Among Indians Under 40

Introduction

Heart attacks have long been considered a condition affecting older adults. But over the past few years, a worrying trend has emerged in India—silent heart attacks among people under the age of 40 are on the rise. These are heart attacks that occur with little or no obvious symptoms, making them especially dangerous.

So why is this happening? What are the reasons behind this silent epidemic? In this blog, we’ll explore the growing concern of silent heart attacks in young Indians, their causes, signs to watch for, and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

 

What is a Silent Heart Attack?

A silent heart attack, medically known as a silent myocardial infarction, happens when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, but the usual symptoms like chest pain or discomfort are missing. Many people mistake it for indigestion, fatigue, or anxiety, and don’t realize they’ve had a heart attack until much later.

By the time it's diagnosed, some damage has already been done to the heart. That’s what makes it more dangerous—you may not even know it happened until it’s too late.

 

Alarming Trend: Younger Indians at Risk

India is seeing more cases of heart attacks among people in their 20s and 30s. In the past, these were considered rare. But now, it’s becoming increasingly common, especially in urban areas.

Here are some facts that highlight this trend:

  • Nearly 1 in 5 heart attack patients in Indian hospitals are under 40.

  • Many are fit-looking, working professionals with no known heart problems.

  • In several cases, the first sign of heart disease is the heart attack itself—and sometimes, it’s silent.
     

So, what’s causing this shift?

 

Top 7 Reasons Why Silent Heart Attacks Are Rising Among Indians Under 40

1. Unhealthy Lifestyle

Fast-paced lives, late-night work schedules, poor diet, and lack of sleep have become the norm. Add junk food, sugar-loaded drinks, and smoking to the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

2. High Stress Levels

Chronic stress increases blood pressure and leads to inflammation in the arteries. Young professionals facing pressure in jobs, studies, or family life are often silently harming their heart health.

3. Sedentary Habits

Many people, especially in IT and corporate jobs, spend long hours sitting without movement. Lack of exercise is directly linked to a higher risk of heart disease.

4. Diabetes & Hypertension at a Young Age

More Indians are developing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure in their 20s and 30s, often without knowing it. These are major risk factors for heart attacks.

5. Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking, especially among men under 40, is still common in India. It narrows blood vessels and damages the heart. Regular alcohol use also increases risk when combined with poor lifestyle choices.

6. Family History of Heart Disease

If heart problems run in your family, your risk is automatically higher—even if you feel healthy. Many young people ignore this factor.

7. Lack of Regular Health Check-ups

Young adults often believe they are “too young” to get sick and avoid check-ups. Silent heart issues can go undetected for years without tests like ECG, cholesterol, or blood pressure checks.

 

Signs You May Be Having a Silent Heart Attack

Since silent heart attacks don’t cause obvious chest pain, you have to be more alert. Here are some subtle signs to watch for:

  • Mild discomfort in the chest, back, or jaw

  • Unexplained fatigue or tiredness

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Shortness of breath, even with small activity

  • Cold sweats

  • Nausea or feeling like you have indigestion
     

These symptoms may come and go, so many people ignore them. But if you feel “not quite right”, especially if you have risk factors, don’t ignore it—get checked immediately.

 

How to Protect Yourself

Preventing silent heart attacks starts with knowing your risks and taking proactive steps to stay healthy:

1. Get Regular Health Check-Ups

Annual heart screenings, cholesterol checks, and blood pressure monitoring can catch problems early—even if you feel fine.

2. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, excess salt, and sugary drinks.

3. Exercise 30 Minutes Daily

A brisk walk, yoga, swimming, or cycling can strengthen your heart and improve blood flow.

4. Quit Smoking

It’s one of the biggest risk factors for early heart disease. If you smoke, get help to quit today.

5. Manage Stress

Take time out daily to relax. Deep breathing, meditation, hobbies, or talking to someone can help reduce stress.

6. Limit Alcohol

Cut back on drinking, especially binge-drinking on weekends, which is common among young adults.

7. Know Your Family History

If heart disease runs in your family, be extra careful and talk to your doctor about your risks.

 

When to See a Doctor

If you feel even mild symptoms or just feel unusually tired or breathless without reason, it’s better to get a check-up. Don’t wait—heart issues in young people can be caught early with the right medical help.

You can book a cardiology consultation online and get lab tests done from the comfort of your home. Early detection can save your life.

 

Conclusion

The rising cases of silent heart attacks among Indians under 40 are a wake-up call. With fast lives, unhealthy habits, and silent symptoms, many young people are unknowingly at risk. But the good news is, heart disease is often preventable with simple lifestyle changes and timely check-ups.

If you’re under 40, don’t ignore your heart health. Take action today to protect yourself and your future.

Worried about your heart health? Book a cardiology check-up now and understand why silent heart attacks are rising among Indians under 40.

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