49 & scared

[YapinaW]

the dr. had me wear a machine that measured my oxygen level which stayed around 80 all night and said my heart rate was119 with spikes as high as135 overnight. what do these results indicate?

[hava]

addictedrn73  - very good explanation of oxygen and lungs - this complements the pranayam - thank you

This breathing technique will improve the lungs and increase the oxygen level.Start doing the pranayam and in a few weeks you will notice better oxygen level.
Build up your timing gradually.If you feel tired or dizzy, stop and resume after one minute.
Anulom Vilom pranayam –
Close your right nostril with thumb and deep breath-in through left nostril  
then – close left nostril with two fingers and breath-out through right nostril  
then -keeping the left nostril closed  deep breath-in through right nostril
then - close your right nostril with thumb and breath-out through left nostril.
This is one cycle of anulom vilom.
Repeat this cycle for 15 to 30  minutes twice a day.
Children under 15 years – do 5 to 10 minutes twice a day.
You can do this before breakfast/lunch/dinner or before bedtime or in bed.Remember to take deep long breaths into the lungs.You can do this while sitting on floor or chair or lying in bed.
November 11 ,2011

[rnangel]

Oxygen saturation machines are measuring the percent of oxygen molecules attached to each red blood cell. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders (COPD) like emphysema and chronic bronchitis cause changes in the lungs that impair pick up of oxygen. An acute case of pnemonia will do the same. There are billions of little balloon like sacks in the lungs(alveoli) that carry out the mechanisms for gas exchange. Carbon dioxide is expelled and oxygen is taken in. When the lungs are diseased or infected the mucous plugs up the alveoli and gas exchange is impaired. Carbon dioxide builds up and oxygen is depleted. When oxygen levels in the blood are low, the heart rate automatically increases in an effort to meet the demand to circulate more oxygen to the tissues and vital organs. Having low iron levels (anemia) means less red blood cells to carry oxygen. Physical activity increases the demand for oxygen and oxygen saturation levels may decrease in those with chronic lung disease. I'm not sure the cause of your low oxygen levels. It is important to have an oxygen saturation of at least 91% for the tissues and vital organs (brain, heart, muscles, etc) to have an adequate supply. When numbers are in the 80's you become short of breath, tired and may have difficulty focusing. If the numbers are in the 70's a person can become confused and combative.Consistent numbers less than 90% may indicate the need for oxygen therapy. I hope this helps to answer some of your questions. Well wishes to you!