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-
expected spO₂
tudes
value (oxygen
saturation) in %
1500–
> 90
2500 m
2500–
~ 90
3000 m
Source: Hackett PH, Roach RC: High-Altitude Medicine. In: Auerbach PS (ed):
Wilderness Medicine, 3rd edition; Mosby, St. Louis, MO 1995; 1-37.
28 GB/IE/NI
Affects on people
No anoxia (typically)
Anoxia, acclimatisation recommended