Hyperparathyroidism

Healthcare providers diagnose hyperparathyroidism by measuring your calcium, vitamin D and parathyroid hormone levels. They’ll also check your kidney function.

Primary hyperparathyroidism causes high levels of calcium in your blood and pee, and low levels of phosphate in your blood. Secondary hyperparathyroidism causes low levels of vitamin D, normal or low levels of calcium and high levels of phosphate in your blood. Providers often find hyperparathyroidism during routine tests before you have symptoms.

What tests do providers use to diagnose hyperparathyroidism?

Tests providers use to diagnose and monitor hyperparathyroidism include:

Blood tests.
24-hour urine test. For this test, you collect your pee for 24 hours and then bring it to a lab for testing. Your provider will give you instructions on how to complete a 24-hour urine test.
Parathyroid scan. Also called a sestamibi scan, providers can use a parathyroid scan to help locate which gland or glands are producing too much PTH. Before surgery, they may use the scan to locate specific areas to remove.
Ultrasounds or other imaging of your kidneys or parathyroid glands.
Bone density scans.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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