Oxygen: who else has oxygen that is... - British Heart Fou...

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Oxygen

22alfie profile image
17 Replies

who else has oxygen that is up one day and down the next. When I've did a bit more talking to people my oxygen levels are down the next day .

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22alfie profile image
22alfie
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17 Replies

Hello :-)

Your oxygen levels can fluctuate depending what you are doing

When you say they go lower you have not said what your lower reading is ?

If you are in doubt talk with your GP and see what they say :-)

Let us know how you get on :-) x

22alfie profile image
22alfie in reply to

I've just been doing it with my Fitbit which I know is not always right anyway. It's not at the worrying stage but some days it's really good and I pleased then if I do much that day it drops the next day 🙁 my oxygen levels were always 98/99 before. I now sent for a finger monitor 👍

in reply to22alfie

Hello :-)

A finger monitor is good and maybe more accurate :-)

Take some deep breaths in and out before you take it

If you are still not happy or concerned then ask your Doctor as they will put your mind at ease :-)

Let us know how you get on and if the finger monitor is better when you get it :-) x

22alfie profile image
22alfie in reply to

Thank for fed back guys 👍🙂

Dear 22alfie

Are you using a finger monitor for your oxygen saturation levels ? As believe it or not they need cleaning now and then which can give a false reading also using one on a sweaty finger etc.

You should also take two or three readings and take an average, if your readings are constantly low then you need to contact someone with the findings.

When I have a low reading I just sit down and do deep breathing and then take another reading { it is always up } this happened a lot in hospital and they were pleased and moved on to the next bed as soon as my readings went up.

I have a lower reading at sitting than I do walking the dog, but mine never dip below the worry point to warrant further action.

Take care and breath deep glorious lungfuls.

22alfie profile image
22alfie in reply to

I just do it with my Fitbit so it's not always right anyway. I never thought of a finger monitor I've one on the way now. 👍

Palpman profile image
Palpman

Most of us have Samsung phones and the Health App works on the same principle as the dedicated finger O2 and Heart Rate monitor and mine is just as accurate.

Hi, please don't rely on your fitbit. I recently updated my phone app, the new blood oxygen was now showing really concerning readings whereas before it was good. Apparently the fitbit gurus have done something with the way it reads your levels and they know it's wrong. Many folks on the fitbit forums have the same problems. Get a finger monitor as I have and put your mind at rest.

Becksagogo profile image
Becksagogo

How low is your low reading? Because I have COPD, my oxygen levels are normally around 88 to 90 which the HF Nurses are quite happy with. If it goes up to 93 or 94 then I'm buzzing!I find the weather affects my readings especially the pollution levels too.

As long as its not causing you breathlessness I wouldn't worry too much.

22alfie profile image
22alfie in reply toBecksagogo

That's what I find the most if I have visitors and talking a lot exhausted after they go so I'm guessing that's normal

Becksagogo profile image
Becksagogo in reply to22alfie

If you are worried, I would suggest talking to your GP. They could probably put your mind at rest with a phone consultation.

JamesB141106 profile image
JamesB141106 in reply to22alfie

Hi 22alfie - I find that too but no one indicated to me this kind of thing would happen. Does the oxygen level go lower because of damage to the heart in the heart attack? I find I can go for a long run ok, I'm not out of breath (not at a fast pace!) but talking a lot seems to have an effect. I can also feel the need to take deep breaths sometimes when I'm stationary, sitting down, doing nothing. I don't monitor oxygen levels - should I? I wasn't told about this as a potential affect at all. Thanks!

22alfie profile image
22alfie in reply toJamesB141106

I wasn't told anything about it either.howeveras I wear a Fitbit I'd noticed the reading of oxygen went up and down like a yo-yo.i go Doc's next week for a check up so going to mention it. And yes I find if I'm talking to much 😂😂😂 I'm out of breath and try some deep breathing also.

JamesB141106 profile image
JamesB141106 in reply to22alfie

Ah great thanks! Well, we'll await what your Doc says then! I did wonder, though, if I got something to monitor the level if I'd begin to get a bit obsessed by it.

MelB51 profile image
MelB51

I think an oximeter will help you to monitor what is happening better than a Fitbit as others have said. Even talking uses oxygen which is why you may see a lower reading! Last year I was fine but during the past year my oxygen levels started to drop on minimal exertion to the point that I am now on supplementary home oxygen for 16 hours a day at 3L per minute. This brings it up to around 92 but walking a very short distance in the house can cause my reading to drop to mid-60’s, which worries me. I used to be able to bring it up by sitting quietly and deep breathing but as things have got worse over the last year, this is no longer possible. Anyway, we all need to cope in the best way but don’t ignore this. Get your finger oxygen meter and see your GP if necessary! Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Wells67 profile image
Wells67

I have had covid 4 times which has caused issues with my heart being AF, I had an ablation that went wrong as well so not great, I found after the covid and ablation my oxygen level went down from 98/97 to around 95/94. 94 and above is ok 94 and below is not great unless your body work at that level due to a lung issue. I’m ok but find my spo2 fluctuates. It is worrying but as long as you can function ok you should be fine. If not speak to your Dr.

BARTLETT1965 profile image
BARTLETT1965

Hi. My oxygen Barrie’s each day. Lowest I’ve had is mid 80% but highest is about 96% Average is about 92-93%.

Funny part my wife has long term bronchitis/ COPD. And hers oxygen it above mine 90% time.

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