Oxygen Saturation Levels

Our body tissues need adequate supply of oxygen in order to function smoothly. How does oxygen travel to all the tissues and organs present in the body? Merely inhaling is not enough, it is hemoglobin which is present in the red blood cells that absorbs the oxygen that we inhale, and supplies it to the entire body. Each and every cell and tissue present in the human body needs oxygen for smooth and healthy functioning. The process of absorption of oxygen in the blood is known as Oxygenation. Therefore oxygen saturation level is the level that determines the level of oxygen present in the blood. Abnormal blood oxygen levels, that is, a relatively lower or higher percentage of oxygen in the blood may be an indication of some serious health issues which may be due to internal or external factors. For example, low levels of oxygen saturation indicates that the body is unable to get adequate supply of oxygen which may affect its functional ability. On the contrary, a high level of oxygen saturation may also require some serious attention as it may lead to death or damage of tissues in the body.

Normal Oxygen Saturation Levels

The percentage of oxygen saturation in the blood is referred to as 'sats'. For example, if the test results say that the value of your sats are 95%, this means that 95% of the hemoglobin present in your blood is oxygenated. The normal range in a healthy individual is considered to be between 95% to 100%, although some doctors emphasize that the normal oxygen levels should ideally be between 97% to 99%. Therefore, it would be advisable to check with your doctor about what your test results mean. The test used to measure the oxygen saturation levels in an individual can be either a blood test, or a test using a pulse oximeter! If the levels are checked through a blood test, which is also known as the arterial blood gas, then the blood sample is usually collected from the brachial, femoral or radial artery and poured into a gas machine thereby getting the value of the sats. However, the most preferred way to conduct a test is by using a pulse oximeter. This method uses a finger probe with a digital sensor to measure the amount of oxygen present in the blood. The results are displayed through a digital reading instantly!

Low Oxygen Saturation Levels

Medically, if the results show the levels lower than 90% the condition is referred to as 'Hypoxia'. If the level of the oxygen saturation in the blood is as low as 80%, then the condition is referred to as 'severe hypoxia', which needs immediate medical attention. Many internal as well as external factors can lead to hypoxia. These may include lack of oxygen if a person is breathing in high altitude, a severe shock and so on. Certain health issues and illnesses can also lead to low levels of oxygen saturation. These may include cases like pneumonia and pulmonary edema.

High Oxygen Saturation Levels

We have already discussed what low levels of oxygen saturation may indicate. The opposite condition, wherein the levels of oxygen in the blood are more than required, is known as Hyperoxia. A balance is required for the smooth functioning of any mechanism. Therefore, if the oxygen supply is more than what is required by the body, the person may end up becoming ill due to toxicity in the cells. The additional pressure can prove to be extremely dangerous for the cells and tissues of the body and can lead to severe tissue damage, or even death! The most affected areas of the body in the case of hyperoxia are the central nervous system, the brain, lungs and the eyes. Major hyperoxia symptoms may include breathing problems, disorientation and blurred vision. Some people are more prone to hyperoxia as compared to others. For example, people exposed to hyperbaric oxygen therapy like scuba divers, have higher chances of suffering from this condition.

If you are exposed to certain conditions which may lead to abnormal oxygen saturation levels, then it is advisable to monitor your levels on a regular basis. One cannot afford to take chances with their life, and neglecting the levels of blood oxygen saturation means neglecting life. Therefore, keep a track of these levels as negligence can lead to some irreversible consequences like paralysis. Have a safe tomorrow. Take care.