Hyperparathyroidism
Definition:
Excessive production of parathyroid hormone by the parathyroid glands.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Hyperparathyroidism can be caused by enlargement of one or more of the glands or in response to an abnormally low calcium level in the blood.
The parathyroid glands are located at the front and base of the neck around the thyroid gland and produce parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone regulates calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium balance within the blood and bone by maintaining a balance between the mineral levels in the blood and the bone. Excessive levels of parathyroid hormone disturbs this balance and results in increasing the blood calcium level by reabsorbing it from the bone and increasing absorption from the kidneys and intestines.
The effects of abnormal calcium levels are seen in several body systems including the skeletal, gastrointestinal, renal, muscular, and central nervous system.
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