What is overnight oximetry?

Oximetry is a test that measures your heart rate and the amount of oxygen in your blood. When this is done overnight, a continuous measurement can be graphed. The graph helps the doctor see if you have enough oxygen in your body when you sleep. The machine records the information and the respiratory therapist prints it out in the morning for the doctor to see.

Why do I need overnight oximetry?

Your doctor would like to monitor your oxygen levels to see if you have enough oxygen at night. The results help the assessment and treatment of your medical condition.

Associated Diseases of low Oxygen

Heart failure can be ongoing (chronic), or it may start suddenly (acute).

Heart failure signs and symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath with activity or when lying down
• Fatigue and weakness
• Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged mucus
• Swelling of the belly area (abdomen)
• Very rapid weight gain from fluid buildup
• Nausea and lack of appetite
• Difficulty concentrating or decreased alertness
• Chest pain if heart failure is caused by a heart attack

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, makes breathing hard for the 16 million Americans who have been diagnosed with it. Millions more suffer from COPD but have not been diagnosed and are not being treated. COPD can limit your ability to work or even do simple daily tasks.

• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• A chronic cough that may produce mucus (sputum) that may be clear, white, yellow or greenish
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Lack of energy
• Unintended weight loss (in later stages)
• Swelling in ankles, feet or legs

Overnight Oximetry Step by Step