Pulse oximeters are now a common household health tool, especially for families keeping an eye on daily wellness. Most people use them to check blood oxygen levels (SpO₂), but many are surprised to find that the device also displays pulse rate. Why does it do that—and why should you care?
How Pulse Rate and Blood Oxygen Are Connected
To measure your blood oxygen, a pulse oximeter shines red and infrared light through your fingertip. It detects how much light is absorbed by the blood, which changes slightly with each heartbeat. These tiny changes create the signal used to calculate SpO₂.
In other words, your pulse is the key to unlocking accurate oxygen readings—without it, the oximeter wouldn't work properly. That's why tracking your pulse rate is not just an extra feature—it's part of how the device works.
Why Pulse Rate Tracking Matters
Pulse rate (or heart rate) tells you how many times your heart beats per minute. It's a basic but important sign of your cardiovascular health. When monitored regularly, it can help spot early signs of issues like:
Fast heart rate (over 100 bpm): May signal fever, stress, arrhythmia, or other conditions
Slow heart rate (under 60 bpm): Could point to medication effects, heart block, or athletic conditioning
When combined with SpO₂ data, pulse rate gives a more complete picture of your health, especially for people managing chronic conditions or tracking recovery from illness.
Keep in Mind: It's Not a Medical Diagnosis Tool
While pulse oximeters are helpful for daily tracking, they can't replace an ECG or professional cardiac monitoring. Think of them as a convenient first line of defense—ideal for home use, travel, or managing long-term conditions under your doctor's guidance.
Choosing a Good Pulse Oximeter: What to Look For
Not all pulse oximeters are created equal. If you're shopping for one, consider these features:
Accurate readings:
SpO₂ accuracy of ±2% (70–100%)
Pulse rate accuracy of ±2 bpm or ±2% (whichever is greater)
Clear display: Easy-to-read numbers, with a pulse bar or waveform
Battery efficiency: Long battery life is a plus for frequent users
Regulatory approval: CE MDR certification indicates compliance with strict European safety and performance standards
Tip: Joytech Healthcare's fingertip pulse oximeters are CE MDR certified and equipped with advanced sensors and intuitive displays, making them a reliable choice for families and professionals alike.
Final Thoughts
A pulse oximeter does more than measure your blood oxygen—it also tracks your pulse rate to give you smarter, more complete health insights. By understanding both readings, you can stay ahead of potential health issues and take better care of yourself and your loved ones.
