A bad blood oxygen level is a low level of oxygen in the blood, also known as hypoxemia. A healthy blood oxygen level is between 95% and 100% . A blood oxygen level below 95% is considered low and may put you at risk of hypoxemia. A blood oxygen level below 88% is a cause for concern and requires medical attention. Symptoms of low blood oxygen levels include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, fast or pounding heartbeat, confusion, blue tint to lips or face, difficulty waking up, chest pain, headaches, restlessness, dizziness, high blood pressure, lack of coordination, visual disorders, and rapid heartbeat. Low blood oxygen levels can lead to serious complications and damage to individual organ systems, especially the brain and heart. A variety of conditions and circumstances can interfere with the bodys ability to maintain normal blood oxygen levels, including lung diseases such as COPD or pneumonia, high altitude, breathing thats too slow or shallow, not enough blood flow to the lungs or not enough oxygen to the lungs, and trouble with oxygen getting into the bloodstream. If you have a health condition that may affect your blood oxygen levels, your healthcare provider may recommend monitoring your blood oxygen levels regularly.