interpreting oximeter results

[laokai]

I had a sleep study done in 2006 and was diagnosed with borderline sleep apnea (can't remember the exact results, but I think I was having something around 6 or so events per hour). My doctor at that time didn't seem to think it was worth treating, so I didn't move forward with CPAP, etc. Since then, I have had some other health issues that made me wonder if my apnea was worse, so I talked to my doctor about getting treated. I am signed up for another sleep study at the end of August, but didn't want to wait that long to get some more info. So I bought a pulse oximeter (CMS 50F) and have been using it for the last week.

Can someone help me interpret the results? I am appending a couple of summary reports from recent nights. It looks like my oxygen does dip at times, but I'm not sure if it means anything---most nights the reports seem to indicate that I do not have any oxygen "events," though I don't know if it's interpreting this in the right way.

TIA for any advice---this forum is great!

Chris

[Slinky]

I would wonder about UARS maybe? I didn't think it was good for the PR to spend much time at all under 60. Isnt' bradycardia a PR under 60? Or is that a daytime, awake PR and lower is okay for sleeping? If so how much lower for sleeping is okay?

[laokai]

I would wonder about UARS maybe? I didn't think it was good for the PR to spend much time at all under 60. Isnt' bradycardia a PR under 60? Or is that a daytime, awake PR and lower is okay for sleeping? If so how much lower for sleeping is okay?

Thanks for your reply---I hadn't heard of UARS before you mentioned it. My pulse is normally on the low side---often in the 50s or even in the high 40s when at rest or just getting up in the morning. I also have been Dx'd with neurocardiogenic syncope, based on a positive tilt-table test a few months ago.

Chris

[Slinky]

Well, it is certainly make sure that my cardiologist, my sleep doctor and my family doctor were are of this. I'd take or FAX these results to each of them.

I'd also be inclined to request a copy of the doctor's dictated report (1-2 pages) AND the full scored data summary report from that 2006 PSG.

[laokai]

Well, it is certainly make sure that my cardiologist, my sleep doctor and my family doctor were are of this. I'd take or FAX these results to each of them.

Thanks. I think my GP and my cardio are aware of my low BP/pulse (though perhaps not aware that the pulse dips that low at night). Is that the finding that you are saying they ought to be made aware of? Or the ox readings?

Chris

[Slinky]

Provide them w/the printouts. They can see for themselves the PR and the 02 readings. Ask about the PR.

[dsm]

Just looking thru what appears to be 3 nights of SpO2 data ...

1st chart looks ok except it does seem your pulse rate is surprisingly low but, because your SpO2 sat is pretty high in that chart, it seems that the lowish pulse rate works for you. I would like to hear other opinions on that pulse rate (which seems to drop as low as 40 beats per min).

2nd Chart shows 3-4 interesting 'events' where SPO2 plummets & pulse rate takes off. the 120 BPM is not to be alarmed at (happens on my charts a fair few times). Not sure if this indicates getting up ? but overall the SPO2 (apart from the 4 mentioned 'events' is good. The dips at the start & end are still well within acceptable limits & may indicate REM sleep ? (any other opinions ?).

3rd chart looks pretty good & again the dips in the hours before waking may indicate REM ?. The SPO2 data prior to that shows what I would call a high (healthy) level. I tend to be around 95-97 typically 96. My wife is typically 1 to 2 points higher than me. I am pretty fit & healthy so I look at your averages as being higher than mine but just a tad erratic wheras my charts tend to be consistent all night.

Cheers

DSM

[laokai]

Just looking thru what appears to be 3 nights of SpO2 data ...

Yes, I just picked three nights' reports to share---I have 8 so far and want to build up a decent set of data for my sleep doc to see. You are right that my pulse actually drops down even below 40 on some nights---it's in the mid-50s as I type this right now, which is pretty typical for me!

I think the big drops/peaks in the second chart are from measurement problems---the sensor got moved momentarily, and it lost the signal. There are other dips in the ox readings, though, that seem to correspond with rises in my pulse.

Thanks,

Chris

[datajack]

Just a side note, was wondering if you were having any difficulty keeping the finger clamp on during the night and if so what attempts have you tried to resolve it?

Purchased the CMS50D+ myself, decent enough..that is IF I can keep the blasted thing on during the night.

Personal beef with reporting...no true time stamps, just generics from start of recording setting.

[-SWS]

Just a side note, was wondering if you were having any difficulty keeping the finger clamp on during the night and if so what attempts have you tried to resolve it?

Purchased the CMS50D+ myself, decent enough..that is IF I can keep the blasted thing on during the night.

Elader mentioned that he tapes his CMS50E in place.

[laokai]

Just a side note, was wondering if you were having any difficulty keeping the finger clamp on during the night and if so what attempts have you tried to resolve it?

The model I have has a probe that fits on the end of your finger with a wire that leads back to the main unit, which is worn on the wrist.



For the most part it stays on at night, though I do wake up sometimes and see that it has come off. I tend to move my arms a lot at night, so I'm surprised it doesn't come off more often.

Chris

[datajack]

Thank ya, jury rigging it with med tape worked decently. Now for a week trial run for a base measure.

If only I didn't get noob screwed on the cpap machine so I could compare. &@$!? kaiser/DME!

/le sigh