What are the signs commonly associated with hypocalcemia?

What are the signs commonly associated with hypocalcemia?

• A. Chvostek and Trousseau signs
• B. Hypotension
• C. Increased QT interval
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Low calcium makes nerves more excitable and slows cardiac repolarization. The neuromuscular irritability shows up as Chvostek sign (facial nerve tapping causing twitching) and Trousseau sign (carpopedal spasm when the arm is occluded with a BP cuff). Calcium is essential for the heart’s electrical stability, so hypocalcemia prolongs the QT interval on the ECG. In severe cases, it can also contribute to hypotension due to reduced cardiac function or vascular responsiveness. Because each of these can be seen with hypocalcemia, all of these signs together best describe what can accompany low calcium levels.

Low calcium makes nerves more excitable and slows cardiac repolarization. The neuromuscular irritability shows up as Chvostek sign (facial nerve tapping causing twitching) and Trousseau sign (carpopedal spasm when the arm is occluded with a BP cuff). Calcium is essential for the heart’s electrical stability, so hypocalcemia prolongs the QT interval on the ECG. In severe cases, it can also contribute to hypotension due to reduced cardiac function or vascular responsiveness. Because each of these can be seen with hypocalcemia, all of these signs together best describe what can accompany low calcium levels.