Some athletes, in order to gain an advantage over their competitors, participate in blood doping. This process increases the number of red blood cells in their cardiovascular systems and in turn delivers more oxygen to their metabolically active tissues. Which statement best describes how athletes' blood dope and the dangers associated with blood doping?
A) Leukocytes are injected because they are larger than red blood cells. However, they make the body more susceptible to infection.
B) Colony-stimulating factors are injected to increase the number of red blood cells. Too many, however, can clog arteries, causing a heart attack.
C) Athletes receive blood transfusions to increase the number of red blood cells and by doing so increase their chances of developing aids or hepatitis C.
D) Hemoglobin is injected, increasing the oxygen carrying capacity of red blood cells. However, too much hemoglobin can cause hemolysis.
E) Erythropoietin is injected stimulating more red blood cell production. An increase in red blood cells increases the hematocrit which can increase blood pressure and weaken vessels making the chances of stroke increase.
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