What is "carboxyhemoglobin"

alt. (context protein English) The stable complex of carbon monoxide with hemoglobin; it prevents the normal complexing with oxygen and thus leads to anoxia n. (context protein English) The stable complex of carbon monoxide with hemoglobin; it prevents the normal complexing with oxygen and thus leads to anoxia

Carboxyhemoglobin or carboxyhaemoglobin (symbol COHb or HbCO) is a stable complex of carbon monoxide and hemoglobin (Hb) that forms in red blood cells upon contact with carbon monoxide (CO). Exposure to small concentrations of CO hinder the ability of Hb to deliver oxygen to the body, because carboxyhemoglobin forms more readily than does oxyhemoglobin (HbO). CO is produced in normal metabolism and is also a common chemical. Tobacco smoking (through carbon monoxide inhalation) raises the blood levels of COHb by a factor of several times from its normal concentrations.