What is a potential risk of blood doping?

Blood doping involves methods used to enhance athletic performance by increasing the amount of red blood cells in the bloodstream. The primary goal is to improve oxygen delivery to the muscles during intense physical activity. However, one significant risk associated with blood doping is an increased risk of heart attack.

When the number of red blood cells is artificially elevated, it leads to a condition called hyperviscosity, where the blood becomes thicker than normal. This thicker blood can put extra strain on the heart, making it work harder to pump and potentially leading to cardiovascular problems, including heart attack.

While options relating to increased flexibility and thinner blood would not apply because they don't contribute positively to athletic performance in the context of blood doping, better oxygenation of muscles is indeed a goal of such practices but does not encompass the potential health risks involved. Thus, the increased risk of heart attack is a critical concern for athletes who engage in blood doping.