Defining Rhabdomyolysis?
In the most basic of terms Rhabdomyolysis is caused by the rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle. Athletes who push their bodies too hard and victims of sudden trauma, such as the crushing of bones can suffer from this ailment. In more specific terms the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia refers to Rhabdomyolsis as "The breakdown of muscle fibers resulting in the release of muscle fiber contents (myoglobin) into the bloodstream."
Physical Causes - Traumatic Situations
Physical methods of cause include, but are not limited to, traumatic muscle compressions such as what occurs to crush victims when their bones are crushed under high levels of pressue and individuals placed in a confined space for long periods of time which can lead to bloodflow constriction and ultimately the breaking down of muscles.
Physical Causes - Further Cases
Occasionally heat stroke victims will also experience issues of this ailment. In the case of heat strokes the mechanical and thermal aspects of muscle loss occur along with a depletion in ATP. As this triple concoction of body destruction occurs the body accumulates too much calcium and not enough ATP to properly function which has a direct effect on destroying muscle growth. Alcoholics can also experience this ailment do to the effects that many experts believe Ethanol from alcohol has on the creation of ATP abilities while secondary alcoholic incidents such as strokes and comas may also play an effect although the exact causes of alcoholic effects are still partially being debated.
Non-Physical Causes
Some causes of the ailment are in no way related to physical stress. For example, hereditary enzyme problems such as McArdle's disease can lead to issues as these hereditary traits can wreak havoc on the muscle systems within the body. As can the body becoming poisoned from heavy metals and even reptile venom which can cause the breakdown of muscles. Furthermore drug abuse such as meth and cocaine can lead to issues of Rhabdomyolysis as can food borne toxins such as those found in hemlock. Metabolic issues can also lead to this condition. in each of the instances listed for Non-Physical causes the body becomes stressed do to improperly working functions which causes the body to work harder to correct itself and ultimately to the rapid breakdown of muscle. In most cases of non-physical exertion the issues arise when drugs, venoms and toxins interfere with the creation of muscle and the exhaustive breakdown of current muscle. Many cholesterol lowers drugs for instance such as clofibrate can leave to the ailment as they tend to have a direct effect on the skeletal muscles in the body.
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