Definition
Rhabdomyolysis is a disease in which the musculature decays. However, only the so-called striated musculature, i.e. our skeletal muscles, is affected. The disintegration of the striated muscles leads to the release of the individual muscle components.
Rhabdomyolysis therefore leads to an increase in metabolic products, enzymes and proteins of the muscles in the blood. Rhabdomyolysis can affect individual muscles and muscle groups or the entire body. Statins are drugs that are intended to lower cholesterol levels.
In a small proportion of people who take this group of drugs, the active ingredient triggers rhabdomyolysis. This is especially true for people who already have many other risk factors for muscle breakdown: These include, for example, regular heavy physical exertion, advanced age, female sex, the presence of many other diseases. It is not possible to predict exactly who will get rhabdomyolysis from statins. However, since rhabdomyolysis can become life-threatening due to its complications, the statins should be discontinued immediately and the muscle decay treated. In order to reduce the cardiovascular risk despite discontinuation of this drug, a detailed consultation with a cardiologist (heart specialist) should be carried out.
The possible causes
The causes of rhabdomyolysis must be distinguished between traumatic and atraumatic causes. Trauma, such as a contusion, an electrical accident or exercise-related overexertion of the muscles can cause rhabdomyolysis in individual muscle groups. Even if the affected part of the body is tied off during heavy bleeding, the muscles can then disintegrate.
Atraumatic causes include, above all, poisoning and overdoses with drugs, medicines, animal and plant toxins, etc. This leads to an imbalance of the electrolytes (blood salts) or a disturbance of the metabolism of the muscles. This can trigger rhabdomyolysis in the entire body.
Infections or metabolic diseases can also lead to rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis can basically be caused by excessive exertion in sports. In particular through strength training or cross-fit, the muscles are particularly stressed.
If this results in a clear imbalance in the metabolism and electrolyte supply of the muscles, they can be damaged in the long term. Often only individual muscle groups are affected, namely those that have been overstrained during sports. In particular, competitive athletes who regularly push their muscles to maximum performance can occasionally show blood values that correspond to rhabdomyolysis. This can be explained by the heavy strain on the musculature. However, intensive training does not necessarily lead to the actual disintegration of the muscles.
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