Final answer:
Carbon monoxide increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases by binding with hemoglobin and reducing the body's oxygen transport capacity, which can exacerbate heart disease and lead to serious health conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carbon monoxide increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and hardening of the arteries. This colorless, odorless gas emitted from combustion processes binds with hemoglobin in red blood cells more strongly than oxygen does, which significantly reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen throughout the body.
Inhaling carbon monoxide can lead to reduced oxygen delivery to the body's organs and tissues, aggravating heart disease which may result in symptoms like chest pain and severe cases can lead to hospital admissions and emergency department visits. Moreover, long-term exposure to carbon monoxide can cause persistent cardiovascular problems and other health issues.