What risk factor is associated with primary hyperparathyroidism?

Primary hyperparathyroidism is commonly associated with a familial history of parathyroid disease, particularly in conditions like multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes, specifically MEN type 1 and MEN type 2A, as well as familial isolated hyperparathyroidism. In these scenarios, genetic predisposition plays a significant role where individuals inherit mutations that increase their likelihood of developing parathyroid adenomas leading to hyperparathyroidism.

While low vitamin D intake and chronic kidney disease can influence calcium and parathyroid hormone levels, they are not direct risk factors for primary hyperparathyroidism itself. Low vitamin D may contribute to secondary hyperparathyroidism due to low calcium levels, and chronic kidney disease can result in secondary changes due to altered calcium and phosphate metabolism, but these conditions do not inherently lead to primary hyperparathyroidism.

Age younger than 30 is also not typically associated with primary hyperparathyroidism, as the condition generally presents in older adults, particularly those age 50 and over. Therefore, a familial history of parathyroid disease is the most recognized risk factor for developing primary hyperparathyroidism.