06/09/2026
Elevated hematocrit is common in chronic smokers and has notable implications for perioperative management. Smoking-related secondary erythrocytosis develops primarily because chronic carbon monoxide exposure and intermittent hypoxemia stimulate erythropoietin production, increasing red blood cell mass.
Elevated hematocrit is common in chronic smokers and has notable implications for perioperative management. Smoking-related secondary erythrocytosis develops primarily because chronic carbon monoxide exposure and intermittent hypoxemia stimulate erythropoietin production, increasing red blood cell m...