Blood oxygen level is the amount of oxygen circulating in the blood. Most of the oxygen is carried by red blood cells, which collect oxygen from the lungs and deliver it to all parts of the body.

The body closely monitors blood oxygen levels to keep them within a specific range, so that there is enough oxygen for the needs of every cell in the body.

A person’s blood oxygen level is an indicator of how well the body distributes oxygen from the lungs to every cell in your body to allow them to live and function properly.

Why Does oxygen Matter?

Oxygen is a very important element because we need it to live. It is a part of the air people breath and the water people drink. Many living things (including humans) need oxygen to live and breathe.

Not enough oxygen makes it to the cells and tissues that make up your body causes a condition called Hypoxia. Lack of oxygen can lead to many serious, sometimes life-threatening complications.

Hypoxia can cause problems with the mitochondria and the brain.

Mitochondria is an organelle found in large numbers in most cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur and it plays a prominent role which is to produce the energy currency of the cell. Your mitochondria need oxygen.

Mitochondrial problems are at the heart of all chronic diseases.

When your mitochondria are working well, you will build up healthy levels of ATP and NAD+ levels, which are important for energy utilization and metabolism.

ATP converts to a cyclic AMP, which is a critical messenger molecule for so many cellular processes. the cAMP is needed for the regulation of glycogen, sugar, and lipid metabolism.

The following hormones also require adequate cAMP levels to function optimally: FSH, LH, ADH (V2=kidneys), TSH, CRH, hCG, ACTH, MSH, PTH, PTH, GHRH, Glucagon, and Calcitonin.

Your body fights infections with the superoxide that’s created from oxygen.

Your health and energy will in part depend on how much oxygen you have and how well your mitochondria utilize it.

Now there’s obviously more to the story, but you want to make sure the fundamentals are right.

How To Measure Your Oxygen Level?

Pulse Oximeter and Hypoxia

A pulse oximeter is the easiest method to measure blood oxygen, but it’s only a part of the story. 

A pulse oximeter is a small clip that is often put on a finger, although it can also be used on the ear or toe. It measures blood oxygen indirectly by light absorption through a person’s pulse. Although the pulse oximeter test is easier, quicker, and not painful, it is not as accurate as the ABG test. This is because it can be influenced by factors such as dirty fingers, bright lights, nail polish, and poor circulation to the extremities.

For people who wish to purchase a pulse oximeter, there is a range of easy-to-use devices available online https://torontek.com/

Blood Test and Hypoxia

Red blood cells carry hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. The more red blood cells you have, the more you can carry oxygen. Hemoglobin actually carries the oxygen. The more hemoglobin you have, the more oxygen you transport.

Hemoglobin comprises about a third of the total red blood cell volume. This protein is responsible for the transport of more than 98% of the oxygen (the remaining oxygen is carried dissolved in the blood plasma).

Hematocrit is a blood test that measures the percentage of the volume of whole blood that is made up of red blood cells. This measurement depends on the number of red blood cells and the size of red blood cells.

Red blood cells and hemoglobin are all the info you need in your Complete Blood Count to determine your levels of hypoxia.

Low Iron or iron stores can also cause less oxygen utilization because oxygen binds to iron-containing molecules (heme) in your hemoglobin. However, your RBC and hemoglobin will often reflect an iron deficiency.

A low RBC or hemoglobin count indicates that your EPO (Erythropoietin)may be low, all of which are extremely important to oxygenate the blood.  Hemoglobin holds oxygen and RBCs hold hemoglobin. EPO produces both.

EPO is important for mood and memory independent of its effects on RBCs.

Blood Pressure and Hypoxia

You can have good RBCs, hemoglobin, and oxygen saturation, but if your blood isn’t flowing to your brain, it’s meaningless.

Blood pressure is one measure of blood flow.  Higher blood pressure can indicate that the blood is more viscous and thick, which will require more force and pressure to move it.  It can indicate blood vessels that are hardened and not able to relax easily. It can indicate lower nitric oxide.

Low blood pressure means that blood is not flowing with a certain force level to reach the brain in optimal concentrations.

Your doctor won’t think anything of a blood pressure of 90/60, but this means that not enough blood is flowing to the brain for optimal function.  Your blood pressure should be 110-120/70-80.

Why You May Be Suffering from Hypoxia?

Few main reasons why you can have lower oxygen.

• Nasal problems or Mucus
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea or Low Oxygen During Sleep
• Living in an Elevated Area
• Chronic Inflammation
• Psychological Stress
• Lower Blood Pressure and Poor Circulation
• A Lack of Sunlight

How Increase Oxygen

• Breathing Exerciser
• Oxygen Concentrator
• Healthy Fluids
• Cellular Therapy to Improve Oxygen Levels
• Be Calm

Some self-care measures can be taken by people to reduce symptoms of shortness of breath and improve general health and quality of life. These include:

• Quitting smoking
• Avoiding passive smoking in places where others smoke
• Eating a healthful diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Exercising regularly

When To See A Doctor

• experience severe and sudden shortness of breath
• experience shortness of breath when at rest
• have severe shortness of breath that worsens during exercise or physical activity
• wake suddenly with shortness of breath or a feeling of choking

Low oxygen levels in the blood are not necessarily harmful and can occur in people who can recover, or in healthy people when they are at high altitude. These people do not need to monitor their blood oxygen levels regularly.

But people with chronic lung diseases, such as COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or emphysema, may have blood oxygen levels below the normal because of their illness. These people may require regular blood oxygen monitoring.

People with low blood oxygen can also make lifestyle changes, such as not smoking or improving their diet and exercise habits, as well as being treated with supplemental oxygen.

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Resources: https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/why-you-may-be-suffering-from-low-oxygen-and-not-realize-it/