When oxygen levels drop, it can lead to a condition called hypoxemia, which is low levels of oxygen in the blood. This can cause symptoms such as headache, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, bluish skin, and confusion. Hypoxemia can be life-threatening, and depending on the severity and duration, it can lead to mild symptoms or interfere with heart and brain function, leading to a lack of oxygen in the bodys organs and tissues (hypoxia) . Hypoxia can cause organ damage, and brain and heart damage are particularly dangerous and can lead to death. Mildly low levels of oxygen desaturation might not cause any symptoms, but if blood oxygen levels are consistently low, organs won’t receive enough oxygen, which can cause damage. Hypoxemia can happen if you can’t breathe in enough oxygen or if the oxygen you breathe in can’t get to your blood. It can be caused by many heart and lung conditions, high altitudes, and other underlying illnesses that affect blood flow or breathing. If you are experiencing symptoms of hypoxemia, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.