Myxedema and SATS readings

[NickC_UK]

Is the inability to get SATS readings an indicator of Myxedema?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Can you explain what sats readings are?

[NickC_UK in reply to SlowDragon]

Yes Oxygen Saturation from finger sensor.

[Jazzw]

As in oxygen sats - via a pulse oximeter on your finger??

[cjrsquared]

Pulsoximetry relies on good blood flow through the finger ( or toe) which the sats probe is placed. A known wavelength of red light is beamed through the finger and the sensor on the other side records how much has been absorbed by oxygenated blood. Oxygenated blood absorbs more of this wavelength than deoxygenated blood. So low blood pressure, vasoconstriction due to cold, Raynauds syndrome, peripheral vascular disease or gel nails, certain colours of nail varnish etc may effect the results. Myeodema would only effect the reading if blood flow was low due to slow heart rate or exceptionally swollen fingers.

If a hospital machine they sometimes have cracked cables, ensure the red light is constant not intermittent, if a home probe check batteries and dirt on the sensor. Hope that helps