A pulse oximeter is a compact device that is used in modern medicine.
The smart device displays two main indicators – the pulse (the rhythm of the arteries, which is felt due to the work of the heart) and SpO2 – the amount of oxygen in the patient’s blood.
Oxygen, which is transported throughout the body thanks to hemoglobin, ensures the normal functioning of body cells.
If it is not enough, you’ll feel a breakdown, dizziness, headaches and weakness.
Table of Contents
Top Pulse Oximeter For Atrial Fibrillation
Pulse Oximeter Measurement accuracy can be adversely affected by a number of factors:
- Nail polish, can cause a low saturation value;
- Cardiac arrhythmias may interfere with the pulse oximeter’s perception of the pulse signal;
- Age, gender, jaundice, and dark skin color affect the performance of the pulse oximeter.
- Bright external light and movements may interfere with the operation of the device;
- Incorrect location of the sensor: for transmission oximeters, it is necessary that both parts of the sensor are symmetrical relative to the translucent tissue area, otherwise the path between the photodetector and the LEDs will be unequal, and one of the wavelengths will be “overloaded”
Heart Arrhythmias
An arrhythmia is a heart rhythm that differs from the normal sinus rhythm.
In this case, there is a violation of the normal functioning of the organ, that is, the frequency, rhythm and sequence of excitation and contraction of the heart, which can lead to complications.
The most common causes of arrhythmias are myocardial infarction, heart failure, acquired and congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, and mitral valve prolapse.
As in other cases of heart disease, arrhythmia is often associated with emotional stress and other mental problems. Negatively affects smoking, alcohol, and toxicosis.
What is Atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation (AF) causes a high risk of stroke.
Approximately 40% of patients with atrial fibrillation are asymptomatic , so many of them are diagnosed by chance when the patient is hospitalized for other reasons , including stroke .
Who suffers from this disease?
Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm disorder, affecting 5% of the population aged 65 years and over and 14% over 85 years of age.
Atrial fibrillation leads to a 5-fold increase in the risk of stroke and is responsible for 20% of all strokes. In many people, atrial fibrillation is asymptomatic and therefore undiagnosed. Early detection of atrial fibrillation followed by appropriate treatment can reduce the risk of stroke by 68%.
Pulse oximeter and Atrial Fibrillation
Diagnosis of atrial fibrillation includes obtaining an electrocardiogram, echocardiography, ultrasound, daily or multi-day Holter ECG monitoring, often saturation monitoring( with a right pulse oximeter).
Additional to this The following groups of medicine can be used:
- Antiarrhythmic pills
- Direct antiarrhythmics: Amiodarone, Rytmonorm and Allapinin, others. Unfortunately, they usually have many side effects.
- Supplements that affect the conduction system of the body: glycosides, beta-blockers. They affect the automatism of heart cells, slowing down the frequency of contractions.
As for pulse oximeters, they can show averaging saturation levels.
The pulse oximeter should be chosen convenient in terms of application, it should cover the finger completely
It must also measure the pulse, because a lot depends on it. For example, if a person has an arrhythmia, the pulse will be incorrect, because of this, the oximetry will be the same.
In such a situation, it may seem that a person has little oxygen, but in fact it is enough, the cardiovascular system simply does not work properly.
In addition, the device must have a readable monitor.
They are monochrome and color. The former use less energy, but are not very informative, because any additional indicators can be emphasized with color. Also, the devices may have sound signals that respond to a decrease in saturation below 95.
When choosing a pulse oximeter for Atrial Fibrillation pay attention to the warning system of
- Appearances of cardiac arrhythmias are cardiac arrhythmias accompanied by a change in the frequency, regularity and sequence of myocardial contractions.
- Reducing the saturation index to a critical level.
In general, all pulse oximeters are standardized, fit any finger, they just may differ in additional functions…
Pulse Oximeters Measurements while Atrial Fibrillation
The pulse oximeters error may arise due to the atrial fibrillation.
It will not show less than normal saturation, because there is stagnation of blood, that is, everything will not be well supplied with blood there. Or it will not show anything, because the pulse wave does not reach the periphery. That is, with a sharp decrease in pressure, this can happen if all organs and systems fail.
Best Pulse Oximeter for Atrial Fibrillation
AccuMed CMS-50DL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
The device is designed using innovative technologies to provide highly accurate measurement of blood oxygen saturation for patients with atrial fibrillation.
Built-in alarms (audible and visual) warn the user if the readings are out of range or the battery level is close to zero. The measurement data is stored in the memory block for 24 hours, then they can be transferred to a computer base.
Model Features of this pulse oximeter
- Large multicolor display.
- Automatic shutdown 5 seconds after the end of the measurement.
- Charging the device (lithium battery) via USB connection to a PC or to a 220 V power source via an adapter.
- Resistant to light interference.
Сovid-19 & Atrial Fibrillation
Hypoxia and electrolyte disturbances , which are known to contribute to the development of severe arrhythmias, have been frequently reported in severe cases of COVID-19.
Thus, the exact impact of COVID-19 on the development of arrhythmias in asymptomatic patients with moderate severity, as well as critically and recovered patients is unknown.
Best pulse oximeter for Low Perfusion
The perfusion index (pulse modulation) can have values from 0.3% to 20%.
This indicator is individual for each person and varies depending on the location of the measurement and the physical condition of the user.
A very low value of this parameter (less than 4%) can distort the results of changes in saturation and indicates, for example, hypothermia of the finger, the presence of vascular diseases, and shock conditions. A reading of more than 7% indicates overperfusion.
The Beurer PO 30 pulse oximeter
The Beurer PO 30 pulse oximeter is the basic model with which the user receives information about the degree of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and the pulse in real time. Information is displayed on a color display with auto-orientation in numerical and graphical form:
- numerical values of saturation and pulse;
- graphic – pulse bar (visualization of pulse beats and cardiac output) and plethysmogram (fluctuations in the filling volume of peripheral vessels).
The measurement is a non-invasive (no blood draw) rapid method for detecting cardiovascular and respiratory problems.
Power is supplied by two AAA batteries, and the battery charge level indicator allows you to replace them in time (or have a spare kit “at hand”). The battery life is up to two years of use.
The next in the lineup is the Beurer PO 40 pulse oximeter.
With this model, the user also receives information about saturation and pulse in real time on a color display (in numerical and graphical form). A distinctive feature of this model is the definition (%) of the perfusion index (pulse modulation index).
The perfusion index (PI, PI) depends on the intensity of blood flow at the measurement site, on filling the vessels with blood, and on the number of working capillaries. This parameter tells the user how ready the environment and the user’s body is for a correct saturation measurement.
Best pulse oximeter for poor circulation
In a healthy person, the level of oxygen in the blood is 95-99%. But in people suffering from chronic lung diseases, heart failure, this figure can be 92-94%, which is normal in their situation. If the saturation drops to 92% during coronavirus, this is a reason to urgently call an ambulance.
But doctors say that just measuring the level of oxygen in the blood is not enough: it is necessary to evaluate the clinical picture as a whole (body temperature, general well-being, auscultation of the lungs, individual characteristics of the organism, etc.).
In addition to measuring saturation, the pulse oximeter also measures the pulse. And if you use the device correctly, and the patient has no problems with peripheral circulation, then the pulse oximeter readings can be trusted.
Metene Fingertip
It has compact dimensions, so it is convenient to take it with you on the road.
It is possible to adjust the brightness of the display depending on the strength of the lighting, although some users report that the display is not bright enough. You can control the pulse oximeter with one button, the device turns off after five seconds of inactivity, which saves battery power.
Metene Fingertip is very high quality, it measures saturation quickly and is easy to use. Among the minuses – sometimes there is an inaccuracy of measurement.
FAQs
Can a pulse oximeter detect atrial fibrillation?
Yes. Pulse oximeters usually can detect atrial fibrillation.
Can I rely on pulse oximeter measurements with confidence?
With proper use and in people who do not suffer from diseases with impaired peripheral circulation, it is possible.
Saturation readings may be incorrect in the following situations: dirty hands, measurement in the cold, dirty instruments, dead batteries, patient smoking, alcohol, old age. Saturation readings can also be underestimated if you keep your hand raised up.
Is certification important for a pulse oximeter?
There are not many devices on the medical pulse oximeter market. However, it is quite possible to order “no name” devices from China on the Internet.
That is, without stamps and documents. They are not suitable for serious medical purposes. Maximum for home use and then, if your life does not depend on it.
