Hypoxia and Medicine

Can a low oxygen saturation cause chronic headaches?

It is about 94% at 1,049 feet. Also my labs came back with elevated Red Blood Count. I have been a non smoker for over 15 years. I suffer from occasional episodes of atrial fibrillation.

Public Comments

1. Yes. It can.
2. yes it can. this is because a low oxygen tension causes an increase in production of your red blood cells which carry oxygen since at a lower oxygen tension they carry less. hence the blood becomes more viscous from the increased number of cells and disturbs the microcirculation thus resulting in headaches check out this link for more information http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic1848.htm
3. 94% should be alright but is a little bit low. 95-97% is considered normal. If your RBC count is elevated, then your body might be trying to compensate for something that is causing your blood not to carry enough oxygen to your tissues. Further investigation into this would be a good idea. I really don't know why specifically this would happen. Dysfunctional hemoglobins? Do you smoke heavily? More specific blood testing would be necessary for your doctor to find out why you have this going on.