Calcium and stones
Up to 80% of kidney stones are calcium: persistent hypercalcemia requires parathyroid hormone analysis (parathyroid adenoma is a removable cause of recurrent stone formation!). The calcium + phosphorus + PTH + vitamin D combination is the standard for metabolic examination of stone formers in the clinic. The test also monitors osteoporosis therapy.
When is it appointed?
- arrhythmias, cramps, muscle weakness - potassium, magnesium, calcium;
- taking diuretics and heart medications - potassium control;
- kidney stones - calcium, phosphorus, magnesium in search of the cause;
- anemia - iron, transferrin, ferritin;
- hair loss, skin, immunity - zinc.
Mineral balance
Electrolytes control heart rhythm, muscle and nerve function; their shifts are dangerous and often medicinal (diuretics, laxatives). For urology, a mineral panel is part of the metabolic diagnosis of urolithiasis: calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in the blood and urine explain why stones grow and make it possible to prescribe relapse prevention instead of endless operations.
