Question

Some people have low levels of calcium circulating in the blood, a condition known as hypocalcemia. While for many this disorder has little to no effect, for some it can be life-threatening. How could low levels of calcium harm an individual?

Low levels of calcium would not have any effect on synaptic transmission.
Low levels of calcium would cause sustained depolarization of the presynaptic cell.
Low levels of calcium would result in fewer signals sent between the pre- and postsynaptic cell.

Answer 1

Hypocalcemia is defined as low level of calcium in the serum.

It could be harmful to an individual in the following ways:

Convulsions, arrhythmias, tetany, and numbness in the hands and feet and around the mouth occur due to lowered threshold for depolarization causing increased responsiveness.

Life-threatening complications- Laryngospasm and Cardiac arrhythmias can arise.

Effects on cardiac output include:

(A) Negative chronotropic effect, or a decrease in heart rate.

(B) Negative inotropic effect, or a decrease in contractility