Effect of Carbon Monoxide Exposure on Intermittent Claudication

Abstract

The effect of breathing 50 ppm of carbon monoxide for two hours versus compressed, purified air for two hours on intermittent claudication was evaluated in ten men in a double-blind study. The mean venous carboxyhemoglobin level insignificantly decreased from 1.12% to 0.90% after breathing compressed, purified air but significantly increased from 1.08% to 2.77% after breathing carbon monoxide (P < 0.001). The mean exercise time until the onset of intermittent claudication insignificantly increased from 169 sec to 173 sec after breathing compressed, purified air but significantly decreased from 174 sec to 144 sec after breathing carbon monoxide (P < 0.001). Breathing 50 ppm of carbon monoxide for 2 hr significantly aggravated intermittent claudication of the calf or thigh due to angiographically documented occlusive arterial disease.