Carboxyhemoglobin: Hemodynamic and Respiratory Responses to Small Concentrations

Abstract

Hemodynamic and respiratory measurements were made on humans before and after inhalation of sufficient carbon monoxide to raise the carboxyhemoglobin to between 5 and 10 percent of saturation. Arterial and mixed-venous oxygen tensions decreased on average 7.3 and 13.3 percent, respectively. One of five subjects devel oped evidence of mild left-ventricular dysfunction.