Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs as carbon monoxide mixes and binds with
hemoglobin in the blood to form carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). When carbon monoxide
binds to hemoglobin, less oxygen gets transported to body tissues and vital
organs such as the brain and heart. The bond between carbon monoxide and
hemoglobin is approximately 250 times stronger than the bond between oxygen and
hemoglobin.
| By | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Medical Toxicology |
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| Last Revised | March 1, 2012 |
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Last Revised:
March 1, 2012
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Medical Toxicology