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My husbands pulse ox jumps around
Lung Health | Last Active: Jun 22 11:53am | Replies (28)Comment receiving replies
@goldfinger58 ,
Pulse oximeter readings will vary as others have mentioned. When the reading drop below 90%, doctors are concerned. I have heart failure, AFib, valve regurgitation, and pulmonary hypertension. My resting pulse oximeter reading is 95-97%, but it can drop with exertion or exercise to the mid 80's. My Cardiologist, EP, Pulmonologist, and Sleep Medicine doctors all tell me to keep it over 90%. Cardiology encourages me to keep exercising because exercise is good for the heart.
When I walk 3-5 miles my oxygen level averages 91%, but it can drop to the mid 80's. I have to adjust my activity level, and focus on correct breathing to bring it back up.
I developed heart issues in 2020-2021 and hypoxia after Covid. I was put on home oxygen. My heart issues and oxygen levels have improved thanks to my dedication to exercise.
I use the Lookee Tech Sleep Pro oximeter to monitor my oxygen levels because it is a continuous oximeter that graphs values over time, and it will vibrate or buzz when my oxygen drops below 90%.
Replies to "@goldfinger58 , Pulse oximeter readings will vary as others have mentioned. When the reading drop below..."
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Yes, oximeters are "temperamental" and there is a difference between one and another for accuracy.
My O2 is great when I am sitting on my sofa, but drops with exertion, and during sleep so I have O2 prescription for sleep and exercise.
Finding an oximeter that provides accurate O2 levels when exercising is a challenge. I need one to be able to judge if my pulse dose portable oxygen is providing sufficient O2 to keep me in the safe range and at what setting since pulse dose setting and continuous flow settings are not the same.
I wonder if anyone has found a good oximeter for when one is moving. Manufacturers say one should be still to get an accurate reading. But if I stop my O2 starts coming up, so I can't judge the portable O2 as well as I would want.