CARDIAC ABNORMALITIES IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERCALCEMIA

Patients with hypercalcaemia have a markedly greater risk of dying fro m cardiovascular disease than normo-calcaemic age- and sex-matched con trols. Cardiovascular findings in hypercalcaemic patients frequently i nclude characteristic ECG changes, left ventricular hypertrophy, and m yocardial calcific deposits. Furthermore, these subjects have a higher incidence of angina pectoris and calcification of the heart valves. B aseline screening for hypercalcaemia should include ECG and echocardio graphy.