Final answer:
Erythropoiesis may be stimulated by conditions such as pulmonary disease, bleeding, high altitude, and aerobic exercise, as these scenarios decrease oxygen availability, prompting the kidneys to secrete more erythropoietin. Excessive artificial EPO use can increase blood viscosity, leading to dangerous cardiovascular complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Erythropoiesis is the process of red blood cell formation, which can be stimulated under low oxygen conditions. Causes of increased erythropoietin (EPO) production include pulmonary disease that decreases available oxygen, excessive bleeding, traveling to high altitudes, and engaging in activities like aerobic exercise. The body compensates for low oxygen levels by producing more EPO, which in turn stimulates the bone marrow to produce more erythrocytes, thereby increasing the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity.
However, using EPO to enhance athletic performance can be dangerous. The primary concern is that EPO increases blood viscosity, which can lead to complications such as heart attack, stroke, or thrombosis due to impaired blood circulation. The danger lies in the fact that with increased red blood cell counts, the blood becomes thicker and harder for the heart to pump, posing significant health risks.