Basic and Clinical Sciences (BCSE) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Muscle weakness is indeed a common symptom of hypercalcemia. Elevated levels of calcium in the blood can interfere with the normal functioning of muscles and nerves. Specifically, high calcium levels can disrupt the electrical signals necessary for muscle contraction, leading to decreased muscle strength and performance. This phenomenon occurs because calcium ions play a crucial role in the muscle contraction mechanism, and when excess calcium is present, it can result in decreased excitability of muscle fibers, contributing to weakness.

In addition, hypercalcemia can lead to other symptoms such as increased neuromuscular excitability, which is more commonly associated with low calcium levels (hypocalcemia). Cardiac arrhythmias can also occur but are typically secondary to hypercalcemia’s effect on the heart's conduction system rather than a direct symptom. Gastrointestinal cramping may be influenced by other factors as well but is less specific to hypercalcemia compared to muscle weakness. Therefore, muscle weakness stands out as a hallmark clinical manifestation of elevated calcium levels.