Nisha Pandey

Health and Me

24-Year-Old Marathon Runner Dies Before Finish Line Due To Muscle Breakdown: What Is Rhabdomyolysis?

A 24-year-old woman died after collapsing just two miles from the finish line of the New York City Marathon. Her death has reportedly been attributed to a rare but life-threatening condition called <span>rhabdomyolysis</span>.

<span>Rachel Apa</span> was running her first-ever New York City Marathon on November 1 when she collapsed in Central Park. A former field hockey player at Bucknell University, she had spent months preparing for the 26.2-mile race.

Apa was running as part of the Parkinson’s Champions team, raising money in memory of her grandfather, who died of Parkinson’s disease in 2022.

According to reports, Apa had been experiencing pain during the race. She texted her father, Steve Apa, at mile 18 saying “Ow”, followed by another message, “Ow, Ow”, at mile 19. Her final message came at mile 23, when she wrote “final stretch”.

She collapsed near mile 24, approximately two miles before the finish line. A spectator who was a hospital social worker rushed to help, while two doctors at the scene performed <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/54-year-old-mans-heart-stopped-after-eating-too-much-licorice-article-151229859" data-type="tilCustomLink">CPR</a>. Marathon medical personnel later arrived with a defibrillator.

Apa was taken to <span>Mount Sinai Medical Center</span>, where she died at 9:40 p.m. Her father told <em>The <span rel="noindex">New York Times</span> </em>that doctors said that her cause of death was rhabdomyolysis. 

He described his daughter as being in “perfect health, perfect shape” and said her death was difficult to comprehend.

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/fitness/strong-enough-for-hyrox-but-is-your-heart-fit-enough-article-156315248" data-type="tilCustomLink">Rhabdomyolysis</a>, often called rhabdo, is a rare life-threatening condition in which damaged skeletal muscle tissue breaks down and releases its contents into the bloodstream.

When muscle cells are injured, they release proteins like myoglobin along with enzymes and electrolytes. 

Myoglobin is processed by the kidneys normally but large amounts released during extensive muscle damage can injure kidney cells.

The condition can develop following severe physical exertion, muscle injuries, accidents, extreme heat exposure and certain infections.

<h2>Intense Exercise May Trigger Rhabdomyolysis</h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/fitness/90-year-old-japanese-bodybuilder-says-he-has-never-fallen-sick-shares-how-he-maintains-muscle-strength-article-156454155" data-type="tilCustomLink">90-Year-Old Japanese Bodybuilder Says He Has Never Fallen Sick, Shares How He Maintains Muscle Strength</a>

Prolonged strenuous <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/fitness/exercise-may-rewire-heart-nerves-study-finds-offering-new-clues-to-heart-health-article-156415282" data-type="tilCustomLink">physical activity</a> can cause extensive muscle damage, which can trigger exertional rhabdomyolysis.

During intense exercise, muscles undergo microscopic damage as they work. The body normally mends this damage during recovery. 

However, when the muscle injury becomes excessive, muscle cells can break down and release their contents into the bloodstream.

The risk increases with excessive exercise, exercising in hot conditions and poor recovery. 

Dehydration does not directly cause rhabdomyolysis but it can worsen its effects by making it harder for the kidneys to clear substances released from damaged muscles.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/fitness/short-bursts-of-squats-may-build-strength-as-effectively-as-longer-gym-sessions-study-finds-article-156436022" data-type="tilCustomLink">Exercise Snacking: Short Bursts Of Squats May Build Strength As Effectively As Longer Gym Sessions, Study Finds</a>

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists three important symptoms:

<ul><li>Muscle aches, cramps or pain that are much more severe than expected after physical activity.</li><li>Urine that looks like tea-coloured or cola-coloured.</li><li>Feeling extremely weak or tired.</li></ul>

Symptoms may develop hours or even days after the initial muscle injury. The symptoms may also resemble dehydration, heat cramps or other similar problems. 

Therefore, people should not assume that severe muscle pain or unusual fatigue is simply part of recovery after an intense workout. The CDC advises seeking medical attention immediately if rhabdomyolysis is suspected.

<h2>How Can Rhabdomyolysis Become Life-Threatening?</h2>

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One of the most serious complications is acute kidney injury. Myoglobin released from damaged muscles can accumulate in the kidneys and cause damage which can lead to kidney failure.

Rhabdomyolysis can also cause dangerous changes in electrolyte levels, especially potassium. 

High potassium levels can interfere with the heart’s electrical activity and trigger abnormal heart rhythms that could prove to be fatal.

In severe cases, complications can include seizures, organ damage and death.

The severity depends on the extent of muscle damage, the amount of substances released into the bloodstream and how quickly treatment begins.

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A 24-year-old woman died after collapsing just two miles from the finish line of the New York City Marathon. Her death has reportedly been attributed to a rare but life-threatening condition called rhabdomyolysis.Rachel Apa was running her first-ever New York City Marathon on November 1 when she collapsed in Central Park. A former field hockey player at Bucknell University, she had spent months preparing for the 26.2-mile race.Apa was running as part of the Parkinson’s Champions team, raising money in memory of her grandfather, who died of Parkinson’s disease in 2022.According to reports, Apa had been experiencing pain during the race. She texted her father, Steve Apa, at mile 18 saying “Ow”, followed by another message, “Ow, Ow”, at mile 19. Her final message came at mile 23, when she wrote “final stretch”.She collapsed near mile 24, approximately two miles before the finish line. A spectator who was a hospital social worker rushed to help, while two doctors at the scene performed CPR. Marathon medical personnel later arrived with a defibrillator.Apa was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center, where she died at 9:40 p.m. Her father told The New York Times that doctors said that her cause of death was rhabdomyolysis. He described his daughter as being in “perfect health, perfect shape” and said her death was difficult to comprehend.What Is Rhabdomyolysis?Rhabdomyolysis, often called rhabdo, is a rare life-threatening condition in which damaged skeletal muscle tissue breaks down and releases its contents into the bloodstream.When muscle cells are injured, they release proteins like myoglobin along with enzymes and electrolytes. Myoglobin is processed by the kidneys normally but large amounts released during extensive muscle damage can injure kidney cells.The condition can develop following severe physical exertion, muscle injuries, accidents, extreme heat exposure and certain infections.Intense Exercise May Trigger RhabdomyolysisAlso read: 90-Year-Old Japanese Bodybuilder Says He Has Never Fallen Sick, Shares How He Maintains Muscle StrengthProlonged strenuous physical activity can cause extensive muscle damage, which can trigger exertional rhabdomyolysis.During intense exercise, muscles undergo microscopic damage as they work. The body normally mends this damage during recovery. However, when the muscle injury becomes excessive, muscle cells can break down and release their contents into the bloodstream.The risk increases with excessive exercise, exercising in hot conditions and poor recovery. Dehydration does not directly cause rhabdomyolysis but it can worsen its effects by making it harder for the kidneys to clear substances released from damaged muscles.Signs Of RhabdomyolysisAlso read: Exercise Snacking: Short Bursts Of Squats May Build Strength As Effectively As Longer Gym Sessions, Study FindsThe US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists three important symptoms:Muscle aches, cramps or pain that are much more severe than expected after physical activity.Urine that looks like tea-coloured or cola-coloured.Feeling extremely weak or tired.Symptoms may develop hours or even days after the initial muscle injury. The symptoms may also resemble dehydration, heat cramps or other similar problems. Therefore, people should not assume that severe muscle pain or unusual fatigue is simply part of recovery after an intense workout. The CDC advises seeking medical attention immediately if rhabdomyolysis is suspected.How Can Rhabdomyolysis Become Life-Threatening?      One of the most serious complications is acute kidney injury. Myoglobin released from damaged muscles can accumulate in the kidneys and cause damage which can lead to kidney failure.Rhabdomyolysis can also cause dangerous changes in electrolyte levels, especially potassium. High potassium levels can interfere with the heart’s electrical activity and trigger abnormal heart rhythms that could prove to be fatal.In severe cases, complications can include seizures, organ damage and death.The severity depends on the extent of muscle damage, the amount of substances released into the bloodstream and how quickly treatment begins.

24-year-old marathon runner dies before finish line due to muscle breakdown: what is rhabdomyolysis?

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