The pulse oximeter: understanding your heart rate and blood oxygen saturation

Many people would like to understand their blood oxygen levels and heart rate a little better. A pulse oximeter is a simple, widely used home device that can help you keep track of these readings.

A woman checking her oxygen saturation with the OXIVO Pulse after exercise — Checking SpO2 and heart rate at home takes only a few seconds.

For years, measuring blood oxygen saturation and heart rate was something reserved for clinics and hospitals. Today, a small device that clips onto your fingertip can give you that information in seconds — no needles, no laboratory and no doctor's appointment.

"A pulse oximeter does not replace your doctor. But it gives you real data about your body that you previously only had in a consulting room."

OXIVO Pulse clipped onto a fingertip showing SpO2 and pulse readings — The device clips onto your fingertip — no needles, no laboratory.

The pulse oximeter works using infrared light. It sends two wavelengths of light through your finger and measures how that light is absorbed by haemoglobin, depending on whether it is carrying oxygen or not. In a few seconds it shows two readings: your SpO2 (oxygen saturation) and your heart rate in beats per minute. As a general guide often cited by health bodies, a resting SpO2 is commonly around 95–100% and a typical resting heart rate for a healthy adult is around 60–100 bpm — but only a healthcare professional can interpret what your readings mean for you.

In the video below, it is explained in a visual and accessible way how the oximeter works, what its readings mean, when you should be concerned about a low result and how to use the device correctly to get reliable measurements. It is not a technical lecture for doctors. It is an explanation made for anyone who wants to understand their own vital signs better.

A man using the OXIVO Pulse oximeter while relaxing at home — Keep an eye on your vital signs from the comfort of your home.

Recommended product

OXIVO Pulse

Pulse oximeter · OLED display

Shows your SpO2 and heart rate readings in seconds on a clear, easy-to-read display. Designed for simple everyday use at home. For wellness use only — not a substitute for medical equipment.

R799

Free shipping

Explainer video

▶ HOW THE PULSE OXIMETER WORKS — EXPLAINER VIDEO

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Carlos Mendoza

Health & wellness contributor

Carlos Mendoza contributes general educational information about vital signs and home health monitoring. The content on this page is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice or a personal recommendation. Advertising content. Author persona used for illustrative purposes.