High content of carboxyhemoglobin in blood is associated with

Options

A. Smoking
B. Alcoholism
C. Opiates
D. Radiation therapy

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Carboxyhemoglobin**: Carboxyhemoglobin is a complex formed when carbon monoxide (CO) binds to hemoglobin in the blood. This binding prevents hemoglobin from carrying oxygen effectively.

2. **Sources of Carbon Monoxide**: Carbon monoxide is produced from various sources, including vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and notably, from smoking tobacco.

3. **Impact of Smoking**: Smoking introduces a significant amount of carbon monoxide into the bloodstream. When a person smokes, the inhaled smoke contains CO, which readily binds to hemoglobin.

4. **Consequences of High Carboxyhemoglobin Levels**: The increased levels of carboxyhemoglobin reduce the availability of hemoglobin for oxygen transport, leading to oxygen deficiency in the body. This can result in various health issues, including fatigue, headaches, and in severe cases, can be life-threatening.

5. **Conclusion**: Given that smoking is a primary source of carbon monoxide exposure, high content of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood is most closely associated with smoking.

**Final Answer**: High content of carboxyhemoglobin in blood is associated with smoking.

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