Carbon monoxide cardiotoxicity

Cardiac dysfunction including arrhythmias and myocardial ischemia have ofte n been reported in carbon monoxide poisoning; scattered punctiform hemorrha ges throughout the heart have been documented in autopsy samples. An approp riate diagnostic approach is crucial to assess carbon monoxide cardiac dama ge. This evaluation may be confounded by several factors, including the abs ence of overt symptoms and of specific ischemic changes in the electrocardi ogram. In experimental studies, laboratory animals can develop cardiac chan ges similar to those seen in humans and therefore proved to be useful model s to study the effects and the mechanisms of cardiac damage due to carbon m onoxide. These investigations, as well as others performed in vitro, provid e support for a direct action of carbon monoxide on the heart, in addition to systemic hypoxia produced by carboxyhemoglobin formation. This review fo cuses on the diagnostic aspects of carbon monoxide cardiotoxicity. Experime ntal results obtained in animals and in vitro models are also discussed.