28 GB/CY
Altitude-Related Drop in Oxygen Saturation
Note: The following table provides information on how different altitudes affect the oxygen
saturation and how this affects the human organism. The following table does NOT apply
to persons with certain pre-existing conditions (e.g. asthma, heart failure, respiratory
disorders, etc.). Persons with pre-existing conditions may already experience symptoms
(e.g. hypoxia) in low altitudes.
Alti-
tudes
Expected SpO₂
value (oxygen
saturation) in %
Affects on people
1500–2500 m > 90 No anoxia (typically)
2500–3000 m
~
90 Anoxia, acclimatisation recommended
Source: Hackett PH, Roach RC: High-Altitude Medicine. In: Auerbach PS (ed):
Wilderness Medicine, 3rd edition; Mosby, St. Louis, MO 1995; 1-37.
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