• Published on: Apr 09, 2022
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Pulse Oximetry: Purpose, Uses, And How To Take A Reading

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Pulse oximetry is a test used to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood. This information can be used to diagnose conditions that affect the amount of oxygen in your blood, such as anemia, heart failure, and sleep apnea. The test is simple and noninvasive. A small sensor is taped to your finger or earlobe and measures the percentage of oxygen in your blood. The results are shown on a monitor.

Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive test that measures the percentage of oxygen saturation in hemoglobin. It is used to monitor and diagnose patients with respiratory problems, heart problems, anemia, and blood clots. It can also be used to monitor the oxygen levels of premature infants and newborns. A pulse oximeter works by using two light beams – one red and one infrared. The light beams pass through the skin and are absorbed by hemoglobin in the red blood cells. The amount of light that is absorbed is directly proportional to the amount of oxygen saturation in hemoglobin. A computer then analyses the amount of light that has been absorbed and calculates the percentage of oxygen saturation.

Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive test that measures the amount of oxygen in your blood. It can be used to diagnose heart and lung problems, altitude sickness, and other health conditions. The test works by using a small sensor that is placed on your fingertip or earlobe. The sensor emits light waves that pass through your skin and into your bloodstream. The light waves are then reflected back to the sensor, where they are analyzed to determine the level of oxygen in your blood.

A pulse oximeter is a small, hand-held device that displays the oxygen levels in your blood as percentages on a digital screen. The device also shows your pulse rate on the screen. Pulse oximetry is a test used to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood. This information can be used to diagnose conditions that affect the amount of oxygen in your blood, such as anemia, heart failure, and sleep apnea. It can also be used to monitor the oxygen levels of premature infants and newborns.

A pulse oximeter works by using two light beams – one red and one infrared. The light beams pass through the skin and are absorbed by hemoglobin in the red blood cells. The amount of light that is absorbed is directly proportional to the amount of oxygen saturation in hemoglobin. A computer then analyses the amount of light that has been absorbed and calculates the percentage of oxygen saturation.

Pulse oximetry is a quick and painless test that measures the oxygen level in your blood. A small clip is placed on your finger, and a concentrated beam of light is passed through the tissue. The amount of oxygen in your blood absorbs red light differently than other colors, so by measuring how much light is absorbed, the pulse oximeter can determine your oxygen level.

Normal blood oxygen saturation levels range from 95 to 100 percent. Anything below 90 percent is considered low and requires treatment. The pulse oximeter can also measure your heart rate, which can be helpful in detecting certain medical conditions. Pulse oximetry is a measure of how well your blood is carrying oxygen. The normal reading is between 95-100%. Anything below 90% is considered low and needs to be addressed. There are many factors that can affect your pulse oximetry readings, including:

-Anemia: This is a condition where your red blood cells are not carrying enough oxygen. This can be caused by a number of things, including blood loss, iron deficiency, or certain chronic illnesses.

-Congestive heart failure: This condition occurs when your heart isn't pumping as efficiently as it should be. This can cause fluid to build up in your lungs and make it difficult for oxygen to get into your bloodstream.

Pulse oximetry readings are a vital piece of information for many medical professionals, as they provide a non-invasive way to measure a patient's oxygen saturation levels. A pulse oximeter is a small, portable device that attaches to the finger and uses light absorption to measure oxygen levels in the blood. Pulse oximetry readings are generally quick and easy to obtain and can be very helpful in gauging a patient's overall health status. However, it is important to keep in mind that pulse oximetry readings are not always accurate and should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical signs and symptoms.

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Cardiology has stepped into a new era—one that’s smarter, faster, and more personalized than ever before. With lifestyle-related heart diseases on the rise, these innovations in cardiology aren’t just impressive—they’re essential. As India’s trusted digital healthcare platform, Secondmedic brings you closer to what’s changing in cardiology today and how these changes are helping patients live longer, healthier lives.

1. CT Coronary Angiography with AI-Assisted Diagnosis

Gone are the days of waiting for traditional angiography to detect blocked arteries. The latest CT coronary angiography (CTCA), paired with AI-enabled interpretation, provides faster, non-invasive, and highly accurate results.

Why it matters:
It reduces the need for invasive tests and allows early intervention for high-risk individuals. AI tools assist, but it's still our cardiologists who interpret the results with clinical expertise.

2. High-Sensitivity Troponin Blood Tests

This advanced blood test can detect extremely low levels of troponin—an indicator of heart muscle damage—enabling quicker diagnosis of mild or silent heart attacks in emergency care.

Why it matters:
Early detection means early treatment, which can drastically improve patient outcomes, especially in cases with no classic heart attack symptoms.

3. Remote Cardiac Monitoring & Smart Wearables

Smartwatches and portable ECG monitors are becoming critical tools in remote heart monitoring. At Secondmedic, patients can share wearable data directly with our cardiologists for real-time assessments.

 Why it matters:
These tools catch arrhythmias, palpitations, or early signs of heart failure before they become dangerous.

4. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

TAVR allows heart valve replacement without open-heart surgery. It's especially beneficial for elderly patients or those unfit for invasive procedures.

Why it matters:
Shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and lower risk of complications are major benefits of this modern cardiology procedure.

5. Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell Therapy

Still in its experimental stages, stem cell therapy and gene editing (like CRISPR) are now being explored to repair damaged heart tissues and even reverse some cardiac conditions.

Why it matters:
These methods hold promise for chronic heart failure patients who don’t respond to standard therapies.

6. Personalized Preventive Cardiology Programs

Modern cardiology isn’t just about treatment—it’s about prevention. With data-driven risk profiling, Secondmedic now offers customized heart health plans based on age, genetics, lifestyle, and pre-existing conditions.

Why it matters:
Patients are empowered with tailored diet, exercise, and medication plans—before problems occur.

Conclusion: The Future of Cardiology is Already Here

At Secondmedic, our mission goes beyond diagnosis—we’re here to support patients through every stage of their heart health journey. From AI-enabled diagnostics to minimally invasive procedures, the latest breakthroughs in cardiology are changing the way we understand and treat heart disease.

Need help with heart care?
Book a consultation with our expert cardiologists today and take control of your heart health with confidence.

 

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