Effect of low-level carbon monoxide exposure on onset and duration of angina pectoris. A study in ten patients with ischemic heart disease.

Ten volunteers with ischemic heart disease (stable angina) were exposed in a double-blind experiment to 0, 50, or 100 ppM CO for 4 hr prior to treadmill exercise. COHb averaged 1.3, 2.9, and 4.5% just after exposure. CO decreased exercise time to anginal pain and prolonged duration of pain after stopping exercise. 5 of 10 had deeper ST-segment depression.