---
title: "What Is Rhabdomyolysis? Heat Stress and Hydration Glossary"
description: "Rhabdomyolysis, or rhabdo, is a medical condition tied to heat stress and long physical exertion. Muscle tissue breaks down and can harm the kidneys and heart."
url: https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/rhabdomyolysis
publisher: JMAR Solutions
phone: +1-214-632-7780
quote: https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/contact
---

Heat illness

# Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis, or rhabdo, is a medical condition tied to heat stress and long physical exertion. Muscle tissue breaks down and can harm the kidneys and heart.

Rhabdomyolysis, called rhabdo, is linked to heat stress and long, hard physical work. Muscle breaks down and dies. That releases electrolytes and large proteins into the blood, which can cause irregular heart rhythms, seizures and kidney damage.

Signs include muscle cramps or pain, weakness, and dark urine the color of tea or cola. Some people show no signs. NIOSH says a worker with symptoms should stop activity, drink more liquids (water preferred), and seek immediate care at the nearest medical facility. Ask to be checked for rhabdo. Rhabdo is not a drink-it-off problem. Heavy work in the heat without [acclimatization](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/acclimatization) raises the risk. See [heat stress](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/heat-stress).

[From JMAR SolutionsHydration programs and toolbox talks for crews](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/hydration-programs)

## Related terms

-   [Heat stress](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/heat-stress)
-   [Heat cramps](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/heat-cramps)
-   [Acclimatization](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/acclimatization)
-   [Electrolyte](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/electrolyte)

## Sources

1.  [CDC NIOSH: Heat-related Illnesses](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/heat-stress/about/illnesses.html)
2.  [CDC NIOSH: Heat-related Illnesses](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/heat-stress/about/illnesses.html)

![Ironworkers silhouetted on a steel frame against a hot orange sunset](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/_astro/sunset-steel.IhAMDca0_6wk53.webp)

## See it on your crew in 15 minutes

Jennifer walks your safety team through the drops, the protocol and the numbers on a short live call.

[Book a 15-minute demo](https://calendly.com/jen-jmarsolutions/15-min-meeting)