Understanding Oxygen Saturation
SpO2, or oxygen saturation, measures the percentage of hemoglobin in red blood cells carrying oxygen. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. A pulse oximeter, typically clipped onto a fingertip, measures SpO2.
This non-invasive measurement estimates oxygen delivery.
For most healthy individuals, a normal SpO2 reading falls between 95% and 100%. Levels consistently below 90% are generally considered low, a condition known as hypoxemia, and may suggest that the body is not receiving enough oxygen.
Heart Attacks and Blood Oxygen Levels
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is severely reduced or blocked, typically by a blood clot. This deprives the heart tissue of oxygen and nutrients, causing damage.
SpO2 is generally not a primary diagnostic indicator for an acute heart attack and often remains normal. The body compensates for reduced heart blood flow, maintaining systemic oxygen levels. Therefore, a normal SpO2 reading does not rule out a heart attack.
However, SpO2 can drop if a heart attack causes complications. Severe heart muscle damage may impair pumping, leading to conditions like heart failure or pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs). This decreases the lungs’ efficiency in oxygenating blood, lowering SpO2 levels.
Recognizing Heart Attack Symptoms
Recognizing the varied symptoms of a heart attack is crucial. The most common symptom is chest pain, often described as pressure, tightness, squeezing, or a feeling of heaviness across the chest. This discomfort can last for more than a few minutes, or it may go away and return.
Pain or discomfort can also spread to other areas of the upper body, including one or both arms (commonly the left), the back, neck, jaw, teeth, or upper belly. Other possible signs include:
Shortness of breath
Cold sweats
Nausea or vomiting
Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, and some may experience only mild discomfort.
It is important to note that women can experience different heart attack symptoms compared to men. While chest pain is still the most common, women are more likely to have other symptoms such as unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, indigestion, nausea, or pain in the back, neck, or jaw. These less typical symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions, highlighting the need for awareness.
Responding to a Suspected Heart Attack
If a heart attack is suspected, immediate action is important to minimize heart muscle damage and improve outcomes. Call emergency services immediately. This allows medical personnel to begin treatment on the way to the hospital, which can significantly speed up the diagnosis and overall treatment process upon arrival.
Do not attempt to drive yourself or have someone else drive you to the hospital, as this can delay life-saving interventions. Emergency medical services are equipped to provide initial care and transport you quickly and safely. Prompt medical attention is essential because every second matters in treating a heart attack.