At what point is reduced oxygen saturation critical? | Reduced oxygen saturation

At what point is reduced oxygen saturation critical?

The normal value for oxygen saturation is between 96% and 99%. 100% is not possible for physiological reasons. Values below 96% are referred to as reduced saturation.

The patients often have slight breathing problems. However, for patients with chronic lung diseases such as COPD or asthma, values below 96% can be normal and compensated by the body. Generally it is said that oxygen saturation below 90% needs treatment and is critical in the long term at a value below 85%.

If the blood oxygen level is low in the long term, the organs and cells of the body can no longer be supplied with sufficient oxygen. However, oxygen is vital for all cells. The organs are no longer supplied with energy and in the long term the tissue perishes.

This condition is also no longer reversible. Above all, the heart and the brain are the organs that are affected first, as they need a lot of energy and oxygen. The consequences are tissue damage, which can lead to disabilities and ultimately to death.

What are the consequences of reduced oxygen saturation?

A permanently lowered oxygen saturation can have serious consequences for the body. As a result of compensation, the heart has to pump faster, which is harmful in the long run and in turn requires more oxygen. The consequences are cardiac insufficiency and high blood pressure (arterial hypertension).

In addition, the pulmonary vessels constrict due to a physiological mechanism caused by the lack of oxygen. This causes a higher pressure in the pulmonary vessels (pulmonary hypertension). As a result, the heart has to pump against a higher pressure, which in turn is harmful to the heart and can lead to heart failure and heart valve damage.

As the heart works harder, it also needs more oxygen. If it does not get this, it can lead to heart attacks. But it is not only the heart that is damaged by the lack of oxygen.

The brain is also dependent on oxygen. If it gets too little oxygen, the first symptoms are concentration problems, memory problems and headaches.Chronic oxygen deficiency in the brain can lead to damage to brain tissue (hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy). This is associated with neurological deficits.

The consequences are severe disabilities, dementia and ultimately death. A permanently reduced oxygen saturation has massive effects on life expectancy. A long-term oxygen deficiency is life-threatening.

In children and newborns, even a short-term lack of oxygen can lead to lifelong disabilities and limitations. A chronic lack of oxygen can also lead to massive limitations in adults. The heart and the brain are the first organs to suffer consequences.

As the body tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen, additional diseases occur, which limit life expectancy. If the oxygen deficiency is not adequately treated, patients have a severely limited life expectancy.