Erythrocytes, Haemoglobin and packed cell volume:
Reports
have it that carbon monoxide displaces oxygen (O2) in the
bloodstream thus depriving the heart, brain and other vital organs of
appropriate blood supply. Studies has also recorded that carbon monoxide binds
to red blood cells 200-240 times more than the oxygen. The United State
Department of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA; 2009)
classifies CO as an asphyxiant (which CO means it displaces O2)
and causes symptoms which invariably leads to death. when CO gas is
inhaled it prevents human blood from carrying enough life-maintaining O2 to
the body and brain i.e. why it is lethal at high level. Even at low
levels, CO is dangerous especially for people with pre-existing medical
conditions such as heart disease, asthma and bronchitis among others. If CO is
present in the lung, fthe normal sequence is altered by binding with iron in
haemoglobnin to form carboxyhaemoglin, a complex similar to oxyhaemoglobin
which is a more stable compound.
When
it reaches the cells, it has little tendency to break apart but continues to
circulate in the bloodstream in its bound form. As a result of this, the cells
are unable to obtain the O2 they need for energy production and
symptoms of CO poisoning begins to appear. This produces a wide range of
effects on health; one of the major effects is that the high concetntration of
the Co reduces the level of oxygen that is carried to the brain. A study
carried out on the relationship among cigarette smoking, haemoglin (Hb)
concentration and carboxyhaemoglobin concentration showed a positive correction
between cigarette consumption and packed cell volume. The values of PCV and
other subnormal parameters such as MCHC were stastically higher than in males
who do not smoke (Henrik and Leif; 2009).
However,
there were significant (p<0.05) means legless and carboxyhaemoglobin levels
increased progressively with the number of cigarette consumed per day and it
was alos suggest that cigarette smoking seems to have a generalized upward
shift of the haemoglobin distribution curve (Nordenberg et al; 1990). Oxygen
majority binds to Hb leading to formation of oxyhaemoglobin and thus the
oxygenated blood passes from the lungs through the bloodstream to all the
tissues of the body. Carboxyhaemogblin compound formed also has direct effect
on the blood vessels of the body-thus causing them to be leaky, this is
majority seen in the brain (Henry; 1999).
The result of a certain study carried
out showed and suggested that those smokers in the courses of smoking inhale CO
and this typically was significant with low-grade CO and other mild
respiratory. A raised haematocrit reflects haemo-concentration and this may
relative due to reduced plasma voume or absolute (increased red blood cell
mass). A study has it that reduced plasma volunme can occur due to dehydration
and also acute pancreatitis, loss water, increased red cell mass, smoking,
altitude, tumor (hematoma) are some of the factors that can affect PCV.
Individuals with an increased PCV may be associated with an increase in
thrombotic events and cardiovascular mortality (Lowe; 1999).