How does altitude affect oxygen saturation?

Altitude affects oxygen saturation by decreasing saturation levels due to the reduction in the partial pressure of oxygen in the atmosphere as elevation increases. At higher altitudes, there is less atmospheric pressure, which leads to a lower concentration of oxygen molecules available for breathing. This diminishing availability means that the hemoglobin in red blood cells has fewer oxygen molecules to bind with, thus leading to decreased oxygen saturation levels in the bloodstream.

As altitude increases, individuals may experience symptoms of hypoxia, which occurs when the body does not receive enough oxygen. This effect can be particularly pronounced in those who ascend quickly without giving their bodies time to acclimatize. Therefore, the relation between altitude and oxygen saturation is critical for understanding how certain conditions, such as mountain sickness, can develop in high-altitude environments.