Calcium is an important mineral found in the bones, teeth, and blood. While most of the calcium is found in the bones and teeth a small percent is also found in the blood which is important for the systems to function efficiently. Calcium in blood is found in two forms: bound calcium that is attached to the proteins in the blood and free calcium or ionised calcium that is not attached to the proteins in the blood. Calcium test measures all the calcium (bound and free calcium) in the blood.
It is essential to have an adequate calcium level in your body. This enables your muscles, heart, and nerves can function properly. It also helps in the movement of blood across the body through the blood vessels. It also helps in releasing certain hormones in the body. Too much or too little calcium in the blood may be a sign of thyroid/parathyroid disorders, bone conditions, kidney diseases, malnutrition, and other conditions.
Written by: Dr.Shibani R, Medical Writer, Medical Affairs
Reasons for Undergoing the Calcium Test
Calcium is a vital mineral in the body, playing a key role in maintaining bone health, nerve function, and proper heart rhythm. Monitoring calcium levels is crucial for detecting and managing a range of health conditions. There are several reasons why your doctor may recommend a calcium test, which can refer to either a serum calcium test or a coronary calcium scan:
- To screen for, diagnose, and monitor conditions related to bones, heart, nerves, kidneys, and teeth
- To evaluate symptoms of hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) or hypocalcemia (low calcium levels)
- As part of a routine health screening, included in comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) and basic metabolic panel (BMP)
- To assess the risk of developing coronary artery disease and predict the likelihood of a future heart attack
- To guide lifestyle and medical interventions to prevent further progression of heart disease
List of Parameters Considered During the Calcium Test
Calcium plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions, including bone health, muscle contraction, and nerve signalling. To assess calcium levels and heart health, different tests are used to measure specific parameters in the body. The calcium blood test and serum calcium test are essential diagnostic tools that help evaluate different aspects of your health related to calcium levels and heart disease risk. These tests measure various parameters, each offering unique insights:
- Total Calcium: Measures the total amount of calcium in the blood, including both free (ionised) and bound calcium, providing a general indication of calcium status
- Ionised Calcium: Measures the free, active form of calcium in the blood, crucial for assessing the immediate availability of calcium for physiological processes
- Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score: Measures the amount of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries using a CT scan, predicting the risk of heart disease and heart attacks