Which condition is defined as a greater than normal amount of calcium in the blood?

Hypercalcemia is defined as an elevated level of calcium in the blood. Normally, calcium plays several crucial roles in the body, including bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission. When calcium levels exceed the normal range, this condition can lead to various health issues, such as kidney stones, abnormal heart rhythms, and gastrointestinal disturbances.

The term "hyper" indicates an excess, and "calcemia" refers to calcium in the blood. Therefore, hypercalcemia clearly describes the condition of having more than the typical amount of calcium circulating in the bloodstream. This can occur due to various reasons, including parathyroid gland disorders, certain cancers, excessive vitamin D intake, or other metabolic issues.

Understanding hypercalcemia is important because it highlights how calcium regulation is vital for maintaining overall health and how deviations from normal levels can lead to significant medical conditions.