Final answer:
Exposure to carbon monoxide can contribute to heart disease by preventing hemoglobin from carrying oxygen, causing the heart to work harder.
Step-by-step explanation:
Exposure to carbon monoxide can contribute to heart disease because carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin, preventing the hemoglobin from carrying oxygen (O2), causing the heart to work harder. When carbon monoxide is present, it binds to hemoglobin preferentially over oxygen, leading to a decrease in the amount of oxygen transported through the body. This can result in reduced oxygen delivery to the heart and other organs, potentially leading to heart disease.