Story perspectives

Gel Nails Block Vital Heart Treatment: Health Warning Issued

3/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

A 28-year-old woman in Hunan province, China, nearly missed heart attack treatment because gel nails blocked a fingertip pulse oximeter on February 5.
Emergency medical staff struggled to obtain oxygen saturation readings as the thick nails blocked the device's infrared light.
Attempts by medical staff to remove the nails were unsuccessful.
The case has sparked discussions about the safety of manicure practices and the health implications of beauty treatments.

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Story summary

A 28-year-old woman in Hunan province, China, nearly missed heart attack treatment because gel nails blocked a fingertip pulse oximeter on February 5.
Emergency medical staff struggled to obtain oxygen saturation readings as the thick nails blocked the device's infrared light.
Attempts by medical staff to remove the nails were unsuccessful.
The case has sparked discussions about the safety of manicure practices and the health implications of beauty treatments.