Pronunciation: [kalsˈiːmi͡ə] (IPA) 
The word "calcemia" refers to the concentration of calcium in the blood. It is spelled /kæl'siːmiə/ using IPA phonetic transcription. The "c" is pronounced as /k/, followed by the "a" as /æ/, the "l" as /l/, and "cemia" as /'siːmiə/. The "e" in "cemia" is pronounced as a schwa /ə/. This spelling helps to ensure that the word is accurately pronounced, particularly by medical professionals who use this term regularly in their work.
Calcemia is a medical term used to refer to the level of calcium in the blood. Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, such as the formation and maintenance of bones, muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and blood clotting. The balance of calcium in the blood is tightly regulated by the body's endocrine system, primarily through the actions of parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin, and vitamin D.
Abnormal levels of calcemia can have significant consequences on overall health. Hypercalcemia occurs when there is an excessive amount of calcium in the blood, which can lead to symptoms including fatigue, weakness, constipation, nausea, confusion, and even kidney stones. This condition can be caused by factors such as hyperparathyroidism, certain cancers, excessive intake of calcium or vitamin D supplements, and certain medications.
On the other hand, hypocalcemia is characterized by abnormally low calcium levels in the blood. Symptoms of hypocalcemia may include muscle cramps, tingling or numbness in the extremities, seizures, and even cardiac arrhythmias. Causes of hypocalcemia can include vitamin D deficiency, kidney disease, hypoparathyroidism, certain medications, and inadequate dietary intake of calcium.
Monitoring the calcemia levels is crucial for diagnosing and managing various medical conditions. Blood tests are commonly used to measure the concentration of calcium in the bloodstream, helping doctors evaluate and treat any imbalances. Treatment for abnormal calcemia levels may involve dietary changes, supplements, medications, or addressing the underlying condition contributing to the imbalance.
The term "calcemia" is derived from the combination of two roots: "calc-" and "-emia".
- "Calc-" is derived from the Latin word "calx", meaning "lime" or "calcium". In medical terminology, "calc-" is typically used to refer to calcium-related substances or processes.
- "-emia" is also derived from the Greek word "haima", meaning "blood". In medical terminology, "-emia" is used to indicate a condition or presence of a substance in the blood.
When combined, "calcemia" refers specifically to the concentration or presence of calcium in the blood.
