Question

Carbon monoxide has greater affinity for hemoglobin as compared to oxygen

• A. 1000 times
• B. 200 times
• C. 20 times
• D. 2 times

Answer 1

The correct option is B 200 times

Carbon monoxide has 210 times greater affinity for haemoglobin than oxygen. A small environmental concentration will thus cause toxic levels of carboxyhemoglobin. The affinity of carbon monoxide for myoglobin is even greater than for haemoglobin 1. Binding to cardiac myoglobin causes myocardial depression, hypotension and arrhythmias. Cardiac decompensation results in further tissue hypoxia and is ultimately the cause of death. Thus, option B.