Who Does Rhabdomyolysis Commonly Affect?

In some cases, rhabdomyolysis may affect athletes such as weight lifters and marathon runners. When a muscle is severely damaged, its fibers may break down and leak a protein pigment called myoglobin into the bloodstream.

Who is at risk for rhabdomyolysis?

A rare condition, rhabdomyolysis is a muscle injury where the muscles break down. This is a life-threatening condition. Groups of people who have a higher risk of developing this condition include endurance athletes, firefighters, members of the military and older people.

Is rhabdomyolysis more common in males or females?

Sex Differences. Rhabdomyolysis occurs more frequently in men than women. Alpers and Jones [54] reported that, of 63 cases of exertional rhabdomyolysis in military trainees, 88.9% were men, although the overall population of trainees without rhabdomyolysis was 75.5% men.