Received a decent Pulse Oximeter in the mail yesterday.

[hlthe2b]

11. Just remember if you live at altitude as many of us in the West, normal values are less

since oxygen saturation decreases at varying levels of altitude. Not just for the newly arrived to the area, but for those habituated. I've dealt with a lot of panic on this score during COVID with the "walking well," though I do encourage the use of these devices with a bit more education. A normal blood oxygen saturation at sea level is considered 95% or higher in healthy adults. Normal is 90% at altitudes above 5000 feet, including the "mile-high city," Denver (and can be even less as you go higher).

The nation's premier respiratory hospital, National Jewish in Denver has tried to get this word out, but there is confusion. Again, in Denver (5,000 feet altitude), a normal saturation in a healthy person is about 90%.

Bottom line, if you are concerned about decreases in what you think should be normal and you are otherwise feeling fine, check with your personal Health Care Provider before panicking.

https://hoehenmedizin.eu/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Pulse-Oximetry-at-High-Altitude.pdf