Throughout our lives, most of us take our bodies’ function of breathing oxygen for granted.  But once we begin to suffer respiratory difficulties and oxygen deficiency however, the affects become devastating. 

Oxygen deficiency in the human body has been linked to every major illness category; including respiratory disease, cancer, and heart disease.

The American Heart Association reports that over 1.5 million people die each year from heart conditions.  All heart attacks result from the failure of the heart muscle to receive adequate supplies of oxygen.  Severe oxygen deficiency is called hypoxia, often referred to as oxygen starvation.  This affliction invites cardiac trouble by over-stimulating the sympathetic nervous system, raising the heart rate.  A common factor in asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and various forms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is oxygen deficiency to the blood.

Symptoms of Oxygen Deficiency:
Fatigue Dizziness Depression Irritability Circulation problems Memory loss	Overall body weakness Acid stomach Muscle aches Poor digestion Increased infections Tumors

The human body responds in many adverse ways to oxygen deficiency.  Increased levels of hemoglobin are a frequent result of oxygen poor blood.  To compensate for a chronically low supply of oxygen, hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood, may increase.  This can thicken the blood and impair its ability to flow easily.

Another serious affect of oxygen deficiency is pressure in the lungs and heart.  The arteries that carry blood from the heart into the lungs sense low oxygen levels and constrict to direct blood to more normal areas of the lung.  This causes pressure in the pulmonary arteries to rise.  The heart responds by dilating and contracting ineffectively, eventually causing the heart to fail.  A common warning sign of this condition is edema or swelling of the legs.

Factors That Can Worsen Development of Oxygen Deficiency:
Infections and physical trauma Toxic stress Emotional stress Lack of exercise Improper diet

What should I do if I have symptoms of oxygen deficiency? 
See your doctor immediately!  If you do have an oxygen deficiency, the longer you wait for treatment, the more risk you are taking with your health.  Depending on the severity of your affliction, you could be putting tremendous strain on your heart and other vital organs.

Relief from oxygen deficiency can be found in oxygen therapy.