Oximeter reading bit low?

[Yumz199725]

Hi all hope your all keeping well.I do my oximeter reading every day and today I did it and the blood oxygen was 99 but heart rate kept jumping from 48 to 59 which it's never done other. My question is, is this something worth looking into or just an odd reading cause then the blood oxygen dropped to 97 and heart rate went up to 79. So maybe just a weird reading? 🤔

[Hidden]

Hello you,

Always take an average reading if you can, make sure you clean the sensors on the oximeter { I use reading glasses cleaner } as oil/sweat etc can give a wrong reading.

Take care

[Yumz199725 in reply to Hidden]

ok thanks blue ☺️.

[Cavalierrubie]

Probably just a one off. As blue said take an average. Numbers go up and down sometimes which is normal. Just keep a check on things as we all do. Have a peaceful day what’s left of it. 😋

[Yumz199725 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Thanks 😅. I'm of to the gym in a bit so will the get blood pumping 😂😅😁. Hope you a good evening.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Yumz199725]

Have fun and enjoy yourself. 👍

[Hidden]

Just be careful using these oxygen meters. Especially if used on your fingers. Make sure your hands are warm, clean and no grease or other things on the hands. Nail varnish. I might be teaching you to suck eggs but these little devices are useful but can cause more anxiety. The only thing I can suggest is do you have another device to check heart rate? Your oxygen reading are very good I would love to have your values. Iam luck if I get 92%. But I get low readings in the hospital so I have to assume their units are a bit more accurate. Atleast the sun is out but it is chilly in the wind.

[Yumz199725 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply. Yeah your probably right hands were probably cold or something and I hadn't eaten anything. Happend the other day and I had though oxygen went down to 93 was beeping and when the heart rate was 48 it was beeping so I think there is some accuracy to it. I don't have another device to accurately measure it no, wish I did. Sorry to hear yours is so low all the time.

[Karabiner in reply to Yumz199725]

Nope. It beeps at less than 93 SAT OL, and at 50 BPM cos that's where the default factory settings are. Talk to your GP if are constantly below these levels, otherwise I doubt it is much to worry about.

[Tos92]

In addition to what Hidden said about the warm fingers and nail varnish, although acrylics also affect the readings, the readings should be taken on the index finger or middle fingers. Your figures seem fine to me though if I’m completely honest. I have figures of that range all the time. Of course, if you become symptomatic or particularly worried, wouldn’t harm to run it past your GP x

[Yumz199725 in reply to Tos92]

Yeah true thanks Tos92. I never where nail varnish anway. But I will definitely start cleaning the oximeter. If it happens again which I doubt probably was just a fluke, will definitely mention to my GP 😉😊☺️.

[1234_6]

Hi Yymz,

My heart rate on my Oxy meter is always only very slightly lower than the one given on my BP Machine, but near enough the same, so i'd suggest that using your oxy meter to check your heart rate at home is OK.

I find heart rate will jump on the oxy meter if I've just been doing an activity and also if I'm in arrthymia (but i can also see that occurring with the way the bars light up & pulse up n down or pause).

You are ment to leave the Oxi meter on your finger for at least one min or until it stops fluctuating before taking a reading. From what the others say it seems that dirt & nail varnish affect readings, but I find lighting levels do too as it doesn't work as well in low light.

If i take my oxy reading (for both pulse & oxy level) after walking across the room to pick up the d... thing it will be completely different to if i take it ten mins later after sitting still .... so it doesn't stay constant, and clearly just reflects "that particular point in time".

Also if you leave it on & do breathing exercises you will see that it alters also for both heart rate & pulse.

When used to check oxy levels during the time of the thing that shall not be named, the diary's you were given said to take it morning, noon & night and to do an average of the three.

-If it is below 95% speak to your GP.

-If it drops to 90% phone 111 or go to A&E for a check-over.

-95% to 100% is a normal reading.

[ As an aside, I assume you'll get GP to do a regular BP check as the Oxi meter won't give you that reading. ]

Take care

[Hidden in reply to 1234_6]

Yes I agree with everything you say. And light levels do make a difference. I always do mine in the dark so the red led light inside the sensor can shine through to the receiver? It make me snigger a bit when you said about the recommendations for taking the reading during the time that shall not be named. If it was me I would phoning 111 morning noon and night. Last visit to hospital it was 76% on normal air. But that's what I get because of my issue. But they are not too concerned as in my cardiologist words you look well, happy with my fluids and bloods, of I go to fight another day. But that's how my body has coped all of its life. But it does cause me anxiety.

[1234_6 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Felly12

I do understand the snigger. I do that too when posts say their BP is high & give a value & it's lower than mine has ever been (even on meds).

Cardiologists of all people should know that 'looking well' is not always the same as feeling well....

Do they give you an oxygen top up for a while when the % is down so low? ( They used to have to put my Dad on it at times, but i wasn't aware then of what his readings were.)

But i really do so hate the way the NHS prints medical advice and then those within different departments of the NHS who are giving treatment completely ignor it.

The only department that seems to do a "whole person care approach" is the Stroke Dept.

I must admit that one of my big worries is the potential effects from dips in oxygen levels getting through to the brain, and i'm very concerned that the Cardiologist don't seem bothered about that.

I'm slow enough already with thought processes & making mistakes with mixing words & numbers in talking & writing at the moment - & I'm still at quite a good % usually av 94%, falling to 92% on a bad day.

( Apologies Yumz for digressing from your original question, )

[Hidden in reply to 1234_6]

The trouble i have is that I don't know what my base line was before the virus that carnt be named came about. I did not know my oxygen levels before it all kicked off. It is only because I bought one as it was recommended. But never really took much notice until my issue was found. I think it does become a situation where they look at you. Make a judgement based on their information and then move onto the next. Whole person care would be nice but the nhs is stretched. I have to trust the experts but its hard when you know that you are not right.

[1234_6 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Felly12, Yes I agree that they are stretched, but the fact is that you are entitled to proper care too, & unfortunately sometimes you do have to question them when you don't feel well but they think you should be OK. Good luck.

[Hidden in reply to 1234_6]

Yes I agree trouble is when you have something you where born with it is hard to know what normal is? And it may be something that carnt be repaired. It is all very well having this technology in the home. But then what do you do? You are lucky if you see a doctor. It is so frustrating.

[Yumz199725 in reply to 1234_6]

Thanks for your reply. I was sitting down for a long time when I did that reading. I wasn't aware to leave it on that long 😅🤔. I was very cold when I looked at my lips they were purple so obviously that was why was so low. I always post on here and then feel stupid after for doing it. My anxiety gets the best of me sometimes I just panicked when I saw it was beeping. I will definitely have to get a BP monitor soon any suggestions??.

[Dollcollector in reply to 1234_6]

,My oxygen is usually in the 80,s occasionally it goes up to 90. I have never been told to go to A&E.

[kalgs]

97 is fine . Remember these things are not precise .

[MountainGoat52]

I always wash my hands before using my oximeter and use the middle finger on my left hand each time. Occasionally it will give a 100% reading, usually when I've been chatting with a friend on Zoom for an extended period, but most times it sits at 98 or 99%. I take my BP readings at the same time and the heart rate readings tally. Maybe that means I've got two equally inaccurate pieces of equipment. 😂

[JennyRx]

97 O2 sats is not a worry. But your heart rate might be a bit off. But then again not much. My sats can drop to 93. My heart rate can go up to 120 when climbing the stairs. Sometimes I think we can know too much about what’s going on with ourselves. As always, if you’re concerned call you’d GP or 111. You know your body better than anyone.

[Yumz199725 in reply to JennyRx]

Thanks for your reply I was concerned cause it was beeping when it heart rate went down to 48 and I know normal is between 60-100. I know sats where normal I was just stating what the readings were showing 😉. I will make gp appointment if it happens again. Thank you.

[Ascb]

When I was in hospital recently, the nurse said 'oh that's reading a bit low, take some deep breaths '. I did and she said 'that's better, reading ok now' 😆

[Marvel3000 in reply to Ascb]

I was just coming on to say this Lol Yumz199725 how are the reading today? Like already mentioned please don't worry unless o2 drops below 90%. As for HR mine can go up to 120 due to AF. Maybe keep an eye on the HR fir a few days then see. Hopefully your not experiencing any symptoms like dizziness x

[Yumz199725 in reply to Marvel3000]

Thanks Groott. I haven't checked it today will later though. Yeah 97 is good I know, can suddenly drop from 99 to 97 which is weird in my case I know that's normal limit, so nothing to worry about but I do get lightheaded alot and bit dizzy but my tablets can cause that so nothing to worry bout. Thanks for your reply will keep an eye on the heart rate and will keep on finger for 1 minute. 😘

[Marvel3000 in reply to Yumz199725]

Your absolutely right our meds don't help & Dr's will usually use it as a way out by saying all perfectly "normal" when you yourself don't feel it. Try keeping hydrated also sometimes I forget how important water intake is. I avoid it as my brain thinks "water retention" don't drink water when it's actually the opposite Lol

[Yumz199725 in reply to Marvel3000]

Yeah your so right Groott. I will mention it to my consultant in January just incase. I make sure to keep myself well hydrated now. I hadn't eaten properly that day as I woke up at 12 and then my brother went to get lunch so didn't help I knew I was dehydrated cause I was so pale and my lips were purple blue and so we're my nails what am I like aye 😆😅🙈. Yeah I would think too much water would cause fluid build up so not enough can do that then. Thanks again Groott x hope your able to rest 😅☺️

[Lezzers]

Can I ask why you take your SP02 reading daily? I don't think I would be too concerned about those figures, particularly HR, as these devices are not particularly accurate, better to do your HR manually. My husband has pneumonia & the oximeter shows his HR has been going into the high 90's, usually it's in the 50's/60's and his SP02 is sitting around 92/93 though occasionally it has gone lower. His medical team are not too concerned as these things are only guides, you need to take them into consideration with how you're feeling. If you have concerns then I would contact your medical team. Good luck 👍

[Yumz199725 in reply to Lezzers]

Hi lezzers.I only got an oximeter as my GP highly recommended it and said he urges all patients to get one so I did I do it daily because it just gives me peace of mind knowing everything is ok for the day you never know what can happen one day to the next. Woah so his normal spo2 is between 50 and 60 how is he even still breathing, and now it's gone up that's good. I did feel a bit off when I did that reading on my oximeter but like I said to a few others I won't look to much into that as its probably a fluke and I know my medical team won't be concerned at all so waste of time mentioning to them.

[Lezzers in reply to Yumz199725]

Hi, it's not the SP02 that drops to 50/60 that's his usual heart rate. His SP02 is around 92/93/94, borderline low but not an emergency, just something to advise the medical team about. Normal SP02 is 95 and above. It is a good idea to have an oximeter but tbh, I wouldn't monitor SP02 daily unless there's a reason to i.e. you're poorly, very pale, breathless etc & would take your pulse manually rather than use a device. Despite being linked up to heart monitors in hospital, if the monitor showed a low HR the nurse always take a manual reading as even their monitors are not always completely accurate.

Sometimes these home devices cause unnecessary anxiety, I'm currently monitoring my husband's SP02 at the moment purely because he has pneumonia & we've been told it can turn nasty, his HF nurse said even if the oximeter SP02 is low & HR is high we need to take this into account with how my husband feels, if he feels ok despite the levels then to just continue monitoring.

Also, as someone has mentioned SP02 changes all the time, even moving your arm will change the reading, do does taking a deep breath, talking etc

[Yumz199725 in reply to Lezzers]

I don't know how to do it manually lol or I would I don't know what oximeter would be more accurate. How often should I do it then I always do it daily 😅🙈. Yeah will take all into consideration. Thanks lezzers. ☺️

[Lezzers in reply to Yumz199725]

Taking your pulse manually is just a case of old fashion finger on your pulse & using a stop watch to count the beats. I don't think I could say which oximeter is more accurate, the surgery paramedic came out to check on my husband this week & her oximeter showed his SP02 as 94, which was pretty similar to the readings I was getting. But I only started monitoring my husband's SP02 just recently because he's been poorly and the heart monitor in the hospital re-sus room showed his SP02 briefly went down to 86. Before that I can't remember the last time I checked it. I don't know that it's worth doing daily though as one reading doesn't tell you much other than what is happening at the moment. As your Dr advised getting it maybe you could ask your surgery or heart nurse, if you have one, how often should you take it, if you have any lung or breathing issues they may want it monitored more frequently.

[Yumz199725 in reply to Lezzers]

Thanks lezzers that helps and hope your hubby feels better soon I have had pneumonia twice it's not fun. 😢. I can ask my consultant in January and see what he advises. Take care 😊.

[Lezzers in reply to Yumz199725]

Thank you, as you know it's incredibly painful & debilitating so definitely not fun! You take care too

[Yumz199725 in reply to Lezzers]

Yeah it's awful was in hospital for 2 weeks majorly messed with my heart, when I coughed made my heart rate jump up to 180 and just standing up from lying down made it go up to 145. Thanks lezzers you too. All the best 😘

[Drummer20]

The oxygen saturation is normal.It does fluctuate even taking a deep breath can make it go up.The pulse is a bit slow.If you think your pulse is irregular check your pulse at your wrist for a minute.Was there anything else made you worry?

[HeartyJames]

Hope you are coping.. Do it multiple times and take deep breaths before reading.

Mine is often 93. Nurses at hospital used to just ask me to take several deep breaths and it then went back up. Never smoked.

Sometimes when we are not very active we breathe quite shallowly without realising it.

Of course as always, if you are not sure , ask your GP... If it does not go up and want to investigate yourself, try the above and if you can, try a different device. If after taking deep breaths and goes lower than 92 I would ask 101..

[Heartbear]

My FitBit monitors my blood oxygen, typically 95 to 97%, rarely higher. My oximeter reads 97 to 99, so I guess one is less accurate than the other. As long as they both stay within their own ranges I’m not too fussed.

[Digger0]

As you probably know normal O2 readings are between 95 -100 and pulse is between 50-90 so your seem within range to me. Good luck

[CyclingTime]

It would be odd if they are related I think. Good levels though better than mine 😉

[MelB51]

In addition to all the other replies, a normal oxygen level can depend on your health condition(s). My oxygen level can plummet to the mid-50’s after even slight exertion for example as I have pulmonary fibrosis as well as heart failure. I sit and gasp for breath until it comes up again (I am on home oxygen therapy at 4l/min) but my ‘top’ level is 93 while I am on the nebuliser. Otherwise around 87/88 is my normal.

[MWIC]

I have atrial fibrillation and what I’ve found is when I’m experiencing an episode my Oximeter cannot accurately show heart rate and often says it is @ half the actual rate - now got a cardia which is much more accurate

[Samazeuilh2]

Make sure you are taking the pulse oximeter reading correctly. It’s important that the reading is taken at heart level and that you wait for the reading to steady. Take the highest reading. 97 is perfectly ok. Check your pulse rate manually in case the pulse oximeter isn’t reading correctly. From Ridgmount NHS:

“How to use a pulse oximeter. Follow these steps to make sure the pulse oximeter gives the correct reading.

1. Remove any nail polish or false nails.

2. Warm your hand. Make sure you have been resting for at least five minutes before taking the reading.

3. Rest your hand on your chest at the level of your heart and hold it still.

4. Switch the pulse oximeter on and place it on your finger. It works best on your middle or index finger of either hand, it should not be used on your ear.

5. The reading takes time to steady. Keep the pulse oximeter in place for at least a minute, or longer if the reading keeps changing.

6. Record the highest result once the reading has not changed for five seconds. Be careful to identify which reading is your heart rate and which is your oxygen level.

[Cee-Cee1]

Hi Yumz - I've already read the replies above but will bore you with a repeat answer! If I take a reading and the tips of my fingers are cold (quite frequently!) the readings bounce about all over the place once I warm my hands up it settles down again. I'm not long in from the garden just now, cold fingers, bouncing figures - now my hands have warmed up, I'm sitting down with a cuppa, it's reading a very steady 99 bpm and 62 heart rate. My GP recommended I get one after my bypass op - I found it very reassuring during recovery. As always, a call to the GP recommended if you're concerned though.

[Yumz199725]

Just wanted to say thanks for all your helpful advice means alot. ❤️

[1234_6]

Hi Yumz,

I note several of the posts say check your heart rate manually in addition to / alongside or instead of the oxy meter HR reading.

I've absolutely no issues with the advice given that you do this, but i just wanted to say maybe to ask if you can do this with the nurse the first time so she can reassure you what you feel as your pulse is normal .... it's just that with some arrithmia's where the heart beat is very irractic or the heart misses beats, or fades to a very gentle beat that is very difficult to feel, this can in-itself be quite frightening too - just as much as the machine readings can be.

Good luck

[Yumz199725 in reply to 1234_6]

ok thanks 😊

[JenWro]

agree with 1234_6. Yumz, Make an appointment and see the nurse, she will explain …do not use DR Google. An example …. I have an oxylevel on 98 but my heart rate falls to 48 when exercising but rises when I rest. Everyone is different and experience different symptoms of heart concerns. I thought this was just what it was, but needless to write I’m now going to cardiologists for the other extreme. Everyone is different, please see the nurse or doctor to explain. I must be very fortunate to have doctors that when I ask what’s normal range and what should I expect, but also ask the question what’s the positive and negative reading I need to be concerned about. Hope this helps.

[Yumz199725 in reply to JenWro]

Thanks yeah it does thank you. I'm going on Tuesday for another issue so will ask then. 👍

[Blackknight57]

blood oxygen levels are only a concern if tgey are consistently below 95. As for you bpm anywhere from 41-128 is fine . Again only if you go beyond these limits for more than 10 mins you are fine . Chill!

[Yumz199725 in reply to Blackknight57]

Yeah I know 😅. Kinda hard with anxiety.

[Blackknight57 in reply to Yumz199725]

it’s scary, been there! If possible being around people helps rather than sitting at home. Basically making yourself feel there are people eho will get you to hospital if needs arise.

I guessing you only just recently had an Mi.

[Yumz199725 in reply to Blackknight57]

Yeah helps being around family and support is amazing 😊. I'm fortunate never had an MI. But my anxiety gets bad some days as I recently been put on meds so good and bad days. Surgery eventually for bicuspid aortic valve severe regurgitation and moderate stenosis. Have you recently had an MI 😟.

[Blackknight57 in reply to Yumz199725]

october last. I ended up with a perforations which they fixed and 3 stents. The first few months was full of anxiety. Basically its mostly worrying , am i gonna die. I don't want to go!

[Yumz199725 in reply to Blackknight57]

Aw that sounds rough 😔

[Drummer20 in reply to Yumz199725]

I’ve joined the aortic valve replacement private group on Facebook,I’m waiting for a valve replacement.I’ve found the group very reassuring as this one is.It’s nice to talk to people in the same situation xx

[Yumz199725 in reply to Drummer20]

Aw brilliant yeah I joined that group aswell it's amazing and so supportive and like you said so reassuring to be in a group with everyone going through same thing x I'm waiting aswell don't have date for surgery yet they just say eventually 😬.

[Uldine]

Dear Yumz, my oximeter gives all sorts of ridiculous readings, particularly when my hands and fingers are cold. Blood oxygen readings can vary all the time as you breathe and use that oxygen.

[Yumz199725 in reply to Uldine]

Thanks yeah it can I know not to worry bout that. I always do it before I go to sleep and when I wake up just a habit 😅

[Blackknight57]

oxiometers arent very reliable at yge best of times. My index fingers are hard through years of working making it hard for the machinery to work.

It also fluctuates a lot.