At high altitudes, blood oxygen saturation is a key indicator for assessing the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS). When blood oxygen saturation drops below 80%, the risk of AMS increases sharply. Modern outdoor smartwatches, by integrating altimeter data with blood oxygen readings, provide climbers with real-time risk assessments.

Most mainstream outdoor watches feature a “high-altitude mode.” When the watch detects an altitude exceeding 2,500 meters via its barometer, it automatically increases the frequency of blood oxygen monitoring (from once every 10 minutes to once every 2 minutes). At the same time, the watch calculates a “high-altitude acclimatization index” and, based on the user's resting heart rate and blood oxygen trends, provides recommendations such as “it is recommended to acclimatize for an additional 24 hours at camp tonight” or “descend immediately.” In a study of hikers on the southern slope of Mount Everest, the group that used smartwatches for high-altitude monitoring saw a 43% reduction in the incidence of severe Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The watch also supports “Emergency Weather Alerts”—predicting potential blizzards based on sudden drops in air pressure and notifying users in advance to seek shelter.

In extreme environments, every second of warning can mean the difference between life and death.

Venus Smart Shop offers you the most reliable outdoor smartwatches, providing an extra layer of scientific protection as you challenge the summit.