The dangers of carbon monoxide

Abstract

In their Clinical Problem-Solving article “Pain in the Marriage,” Mevorach and Heyman (Jan. 5 issue) opportunely highlighted the possibility that exposure to carbon monoxide can precipitate unstable angina. This point has received very little attention in the recent literature on unstable angina. We screened 104 hospitalized patients with unstable angina for exposure to carbon monoxide. Three patients had definite intoxication, and another five had evidence of minor exposure. All three cases of serious intoxication were due to faulty kerosene heaters. [excerpt]