Calcium

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Calcium is a chemical element, typically found as a solid in its elemental form. It has the chemical symbol Ca, atomic number (number of protons) Z = 20, and a standard atomic weight of 40.078 grams per mole.

Calcium is considered to be a member of the "alkaline earth metal" class of element. At a pressure of 101.325 kPa, it has a boiling point of 1,484 °C, and a melting point of 842 °C.

Calcium is essential for life, particularly in cell physiology, where movement of the calcium ion Ca²⁺ into and out of the cytoplasm functions as a signal for many cellular processes, including neuromuscular contractions. It is also a major material used in mineralization of bones, teeth and shells.

Drug toxicity[edit]

Calcium may increase the rate of myocardial infarctions according to a meta-analysis by Bolland ^[1] A more recent cohort study agrees.^[2]

Regarding all cardiovascular events, Bolland reported in a meta-analysis of 6 randomized controlled trials an insignificant increase in cardiovascular events(pooled relative risk, 1.12 (CI, 0.97 to 1.30])).^[1] A meta-analysis by Wang of 3 randomized controlled trials with a total of approximately 300 patients reports an insignificant increase in cardiovascular events (pooled relative risk, 1.14 (CI, 0.92 to 1.41])).^[3]This increase was also found in a more recently analyzed randomized controlled trial.^[4] A more recent cohort study agrees.^[2]

Regarding mortality, Bolland reported in a meta-analysis of 6 randomized controlled trials an insignificant increase in mortality (pooled relative risk, 1.07 (CI, 0.95 to 1.19])).^[1]

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