When is oxygen saturation low

They can be okay, with caveats. If you notice low oxygen levels on a fitness tracker, contact your healthcare provider for an evaluation. Bime still recommends getting evaluated by your doctor. By Stephanie Thurrott , Contributing Writer. Oct 22, Teach Me. What does my blood oxygen level tell me? Are there other times I should be checking my blood oxygen levels? Normal pulse oximeter readings usually range from 95 to percent.

Values under 90 percent are considered low. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.

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You may opt-out of e-mail communications at any time by clicking on the Unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Low oxygen levels can be an early warning sign that medical care is needed.

It is a small device that clips onto a finger, or another part of the body. They are used often in hospitals and clinics and can be bought to use at home. Even then, the less invasive pulse oximetry method is often as useful as an invasive ABG. Although it does have a margin of error, a pulse ox reading is usually accurate enough. If your doctor requires a more precise measurement, they can follow up with an ABG test. Read this article in Spanish. Poor circulation is most common in your extremities, such as your legs and arms.

Learn more about the symptoms and causes of poor circulation. Over time, COPD can lead to hypoxia, a condition marked by low oxygen levels. Discover the symptoms of COPD hypoxia here. Learn how to manage this…. Rapid, shallow breathing, also called tachypnea, occurs when you take more breaths than normal in a given minute.

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Find information on why a blood gas test done, what to expect during the procedure, and how to interpret the test results. Experts say there are a number of ways to make it easier to go to bed at a proper time, including when you exercise and when you eat. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. What your blood oxygen level shows. How your blood oxygen level is measured. Where your blood oxygen level should fall. What happens if your oxygen level is too low.