As wearable technology becomes more advanced, Apple Watch has become a popular choice for health tracking. One of the features that Apple Watch users have been curious about is its ability to measure blood oxygen levels. In this blog post, we’ll dive into whether or not Apple Watch can actually measure blood oxygen levels and how it works.
Background on Blood Oxygen Levels
Before we dive into the details of Apple Watch’s capability to measure blood oxygen levels, it’s important to understand what blood oxygen levels are and why they matter. Blood oxygen levels are the amount of oxygen that is carried by red blood cells from the lungs to the rest of the body. Having too low of a blood oxygen level, also known as hypoxemia, can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, and even organ damage.
Can Apple Watch Measure Blood Oxygen Levels?
Yes, Apple Watch Series 6 and later models have the ability to measure blood oxygen levels. This feature is not included in earlier versions of the Apple Watch.
How Does Apple Watch Measure Blood Oxygen Levels?
The Apple Watch uses a combination of red and infrared light to measure blood oxygen levels. When you place your finger on the Digital Crown, the sensors on the bottom of the watch shine light onto the blood vessels in your wrist. The amount of light that is absorbed by your blood is then measured, and an algorithm calculates your blood oxygen level.
When Should You Measure Your Blood Oxygen Levels?
While you can measure your blood oxygen levels at any time using the Apple Watch, it’s particularly useful during exercise or while sleeping. This is because during exercise, your body’s demand for oxygen increases, and monitoring your blood oxygen levels can help you make sure that your body is getting the oxygen it needs. Similarly, monitoring your blood oxygen levels while sleeping can help detect sleep apnea, a condition that causes breathing pauses and low oxygen levels during sleep.
Concluding Thoughts
Overall, the ability to measure blood oxygen levels with the Apple Watch is a useful feature for monitoring your overall health and wellness. While it’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, it can provide you with valuable insights into your body’s oxygen levels during exercise and sleep. If you’re interested in this feature, make sure you have a Series 6 or later Apple Watch.
FAQs
Can the Apple Watch be used as a medical device?
No, the Apple Watch is not a medical device. While it can provide you with valuable insights into your health, it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.
Is it safe to measure blood oxygen levels with the Apple Watch?
Yes, it is safe to measure blood oxygen levels with the Apple Watch. The sensors on the bottom of the watch use only light to measure your blood oxygen levels, and do not emit any harmful radiation.
Can the Apple Watch measure blood glucose levels?
No, the Apple Watch cannot measure blood glucose levels at this time.
In conclusion, Apple Watch is capable of measuring blood oxygen levels and is a useful tool for monitoring your overall health and wellness. While it’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, it can provide you with valuable insights into your body’s oxygen levels during exercise and sleep. With this feature, Apple Watch has become a popular choice for consumers looking to track their health and fitness.
