Hi Joan. Your pulmonary artery pressure doesn't determine your need for supplemental oxygen. Your oxygen saturation measured when you are at rest and when you are in motion determines your need for oxygen. Lots of things factor into it and insurance doesn't pay for oxygen unless it is proven that you need it.
You can purchase a pulse oximeter at any pharmacy for around $30.00+ that attaches to your finger and reads your oxygen saturation. Your doctor will also order testing including pulmonary function tests that measure your oxygen saturation. I believe a level of 88% and lower may be the cut-off to determine the need for supplemental oxygen.
Another test that is common is a sleep study to see if you have sleep apnea and/or decreased oxygen levels while lying down/sleeping. Some of us only require supplemental oxygen during sleep. I hope that makes sense. 🫂

ABQJane is totally correct! And a simple walk test for 6 minutes will determine if you need ox. 88 and below! God Bless You

I was diagnosed with ipah in 2018. I had been going to doctor for 3 years knowing in my gut something was wrong. Not feeling well, fatigue etc. Made me feel like I was going crazy. O2 was always good after sitting in office for 15-20 min.
Finally got oximeter and my O2 levels were going down to 74 with exertion.
Put me on oxygen that day 24/7. Rt heart Cath was 35. After 4 years meds (uptravi, Ambrisentan and tadalafil 2 nd rt heart Cath down to 15.😳 But I'm still on oxygen. Demand with exertion down to 5 so I can use a portable now with the Long slow deep breathing.
Why? Normal heart pressure now. But what ever caused the pah already caused the damage to the veins and arteries going into my lungs.
God's got this!!❤️

I just had a right heart catheterization yesterday and my pulmonary artery pressure was 24. It lowered tremendously from my first heart catheterization back in October 2022 when I was first diagnosed with PH. In October my pressure was 66-67.
I have never been on oxygen at all.

I hear alot " my O2 levels good after sitting down for 20 min" Thats the problem. I too have PAH, on O2 with 3 meds Tyvasco, Opsumit and Tadalafil. I am also a retired RN. Everytime I go to the Dr's or have been in the hospital they take your O2 sat while resting. It's not about resting, it's about what it is with activity, so it is so important to get the 6 min walk and a Pulonologist who specializes in PH. Not everyone does.