Blood oxygen level

Hemoglobin oxygen saturation

The oxygen with which blood is saturated in the lungs is carried to the organs by a special carrier protein, hemoglobin, which is contained in red blood cells. Blood oxygen level, or oxygen saturation, is the indicator that reflects how much hemoglobin is bound to oxygen. Normally, almost all hemoglobin in the blood is bound to oxygen: therefore, normal saturation values vary from 96% to 99%. Saturation may fall under the level of 95-96% in severe diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular system, as well as in severe anemia, when there is a significant decrease in hemoglobin in the blood. In chronic heart and lung diseases, a decrease in this index may indicate an exacerbation of the disease. In such a case, medical attention is required. Reduced blood oxygen level during a cold, influenza, acute respiratory viral infections, pneumonia, and other lung diseases may bespeak a severe course of the disease.

This indicator is crucial for patients suffering chronic lung diseases, as well as chronic bronchitis.

During the test, the user should remember that some factors may result in wrongfully lower values. Manicure, especially with dark shades of nail polish, may disrupt the test results, alongside hand movement or shaking of fingers during examination, bright external light source (sunlight or artificial light), and proximity to sources of strong electromagnetic radiation (e.g., cell phones). Low temperature in the room where the test is carried out may also entail measurement error.

Minor individual fluctuations in blood oxygen saturation levels may occur in every person. To interpret such change correctly, it's necessary to conduct a series of tests. Multiple tests will help identify the individual specifics of blood oxygen level variation and interpret them correctly.

The main signs of oxygen deficiency may include shortness of breath, increased rate of breathing, increased fatigue, rapid heartbeat, headache combined with changes in body coordination, drowsiness, livid pallor of the skin, lividity of the nasolabial triangle and fingertips, etc.

Physicians recommend monitoring the SpO2 level during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

AngioCode trackers will help control the results of oxygen therapy treatment.

Measuring blood oxygen level will allow to identify a decline timely and thus prevent exacerbations; detect early signs of pulmonary edema and respiratory failure.

It's important to mention the conditions and signs for which the physician may recommend monitoring O2 levels and other parameters of the vascular bed condition.

The list is very long:

  • acute respiratory viral infections (including Covid-19)
  • chronic diseases of the heart (myocardial infarction, heart defects), vascular system (atherosclerosis of cerebral and limb vessels, stenosis, thrombosis), and lungs (pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, COPD, emphysema, acute respiratory distress syndrome, blockage of an artery in the lung, excessive fluid in the lungs, sleep apnea, carbon monoxide poisoning)
  • vasculitis
  • anemia
  • diabetes
  • erectile dysfunction caused by endothelial dysfunction
  • swelling of the lower extremities in the third trimester of pregnancy
  • low levels of serum iron and B vitamins; decreased hemoglobin, the most important component of red blood cells responsible for oxygen delivery
  • a serious increase in physical activity
  • high attitude
  • administration of some necessary narcotics and painkillers
  • intoxication with heavy metal salts
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