Vital signs are key indicators of a person’s health.
Healthcare professionals watch these signs closely. They
help check a patient’s condition and spot any problems
early.
The main vital signs are body temperature, heart rate,
respiratory rate, and blood pressure. Each sign tells us
something different about a patient’s health. By watching
these signs, doctors can catch illnesses early and see how
treatments are working.
Knowing what’s normal for vital signs is important. This
knowledge helps doctors understand how a patient is doing.
They use both old-fashioned methods and new technology to
check vital signs. This is true whether it’s for a regular
check-up or in an emergency.
The Four Primary Vital Signs
Vital signs give us important clues about a person’s health.
The main ones are body
temperature, heart
rate, respiratory
rate, and blood
pressure. Each sign tells us how well the body’s key
systems are working.
Body Temperature
Body temperature is the internal heat of the body. It’s
usually checked orally, rectally, or through the ear. A
normal temperature is between 97°F and 99°F (36.1°C to
37.2°C).
A high temperature means you might have an infection. A low
temperature could mean you’re too cold.
Heart Rate
Heart rate, or pulse
rate, is how many times the heart beats in a minute. For
adults, it should be between 60 to 100 beats per minute.
Your age, fitness, and medicines can change your heart rate.
Checking your heart rate helps find heart problems and see
how well your heart is working.
Respiratory Rate
Respiratory rate is how many breaths you take in a minute.
For adults, it should be between 12 to 20 breaths per
minute. If you breathe too fast or too slow, it could mean
you’re stressed or have a health issue.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure has two parts: systolic and diastolic. For
adults, it should be under 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure
can lead to heart disease. Low blood pressure might make you
dizzy or faint.
The table below shows the normal ranges for the four vital
signs in adults:
Vital Sign
Normal Range
Body Temperature
97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C)
Heart Rate (Pulse
Rate)
60 to 100 beats per minute
Respiratory Rate
12 to 20 breaths per minute
Blood Pressure
Below 120/80 mmHg
It’s important to know and check these vital signs
regularly. This helps keep you healthy and catches health
problems early.
Vital signs can fluctuate or change when a person is sick, taking
certain medications, or experiencing pain, anxiety, or stress. A
person’s age or a change in lifestyle can also affect one or more
vital signs.
What are normal vital signs?
Understanding vital signs is key for healthcare workers. It helps them
see how a patient is doing and make smart choices. When looking at vital
signs, it’s important to think about the person’s usual values, age,
gender, and health. If vital signs are off, it might mean there’s a
health issue that needs to be checked out.
Healthcare pros should watch vital signs over time, not just one
reading. If signs keep changing, it could mean a health problem is
growing or a treatment is working. For instance, if body temperature
goes up and heart and breathing rates rise, it might be a sign of an
infection.
The table below gives a basic guide for adult vital signs:
Vital Sign
Normal
Range
Abnormal
(Low)
Abnormal
(High)
Body Temperature
97.7°F – 99.5°F (36.5°C – 37.5°C)
< 95°F (35°C)
> 100.4°F (38°C)
Heart Rate
60 – 100 beats per minute
< 60 beats per minute
> 100 beats per minute
Respiratory Rate
12 – 20 breaths per minute
< 12 breaths per minute
> 20 breaths per minute
Blood Pressure
Systolic: 90 – 120 mmHg
Diastolic: 60 – 80 mmHg
Systolic: < 90 mmHg
Diastolic: < 60 mmHg
Systolic: > 120 mmHg
Diastolic: > 80 mmHg
Remember, these ranges are just a starting point. Some people naturally
have different vital signs and are perfectly healthy. Healthcare workers
need to think about the whole picture when making decisions based on
vital signs.
By keeping an eye on vital sign trends and spotting unusual values,
healthcare pros can catch health problems early. This helps them give
better care and improve patient results.
The table below lists normal vital signs in infants,
children, and teenagers:
Vital signs
Infant
(0–12 months)
Child
(1–11 years)
Teenager
(12 years and up)
Heart rate
100–160 bpm
70–20 bpm
60–100 bpm
Respiratory rate
0 to 6 months: 30–60 bpm 6 to 12 months: 24–30 bpm
1 to 5 years: 20–30 bpm 6 to 11 years: 12–20 bpm
12–18 bpm
Blood pressure
0 to 6 months: 65 to 90/45 to 65 mm Hg 6 to 12 months: 80 to 100/55 to 65 mm Hg
90 to 110/55 to 75 mm Hg
110 to 135/65 to 85 mm Hg
Temperature
all ages: 98.6°F (37°C) normal range: 97.4°F–99.6°F (36.3°C–37.5°C)
all ages: 98.6°F (37°C) normal range: 97.4°F–99.6°F (36.3°C–37.5°C)
all ages: 98.6°F (37°C) normal range: 97.4°F–99.6°F (36.3°C–37.5°C)
What is body temperature?
Body temperature is the expected temperature of the human body. You may
notice your body temperature change when you exercise or when you’re
feeling ill.
The average body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees
Celsius), but the normal temperature for a healthy person can range
between 97.8 F to 99.1 F (36.55 C to 37.27) or slightly higher.
A temperature higher than 100.4 F (38 C) is classified as a fever.
A drop in body temperature below 95 F (35 C) is hypothermia.
How do I check my body temperature?
A body temperature can be measured in any of the
following ways:
Orally: Either a glass thermometer or a
digital thermometer that uses an electronic probe
can measure body temperature from the mouth. The
generally accepted average oral temperature is 98.6 F,
but normal may range from 97 F to 99 F. A temperature
greater than 100.4 F most often indicates an infection
or illness.
Rectally: Temperatures taken rectally using
a glass or digital thermometer tend to be a bit
higher than when taken by mouth.
Axillary: Temperatures taken under the arm
using a glass or digital thermometer tend to be a
bit lower than temperatures taken by mouth. An
armpit temperature is usually lower than the oral
temperature by half to one degree.
By ear: A special thermometer can quickly
measure the temperature of the eardrum, which
reflects the body’s temperature. An ear temperature
is usually higher than the oral temperature by half to
one degree.
By skin: A
special thermometer can quickly measure the
temperature of the skin on the forehead. A forehead
temperature is usually lower than the oral temperature
by half to one degree.+
A fever is
when body temperature rises to a level that’s higher
than normal. In general, you have a fever if your
temperature is:
In adults: higher than 99°F to 99.5°F
(37.2°C to 37.5°C)
In children: higher than 99.5°F (37.5°C)
In infants: higher than 100.4°F (38°C)
Fevers are often short-term increases in body
temperature that help your body fight infection or
illness. However, a severe or sustained fever can
indicate a more serious condition that warrants medical
attention.
Contact a doctor if you have a fever above 100.4°F
(38°C) that lasts for more than 3 days.
What affects my body temperature?
Factors that can affect your body temperature include:
Being in a hot or cold environment.
Exercise.
Eating hot or cold foods and beverages.
Strong emotions.
Medical conditions that can cause your body temperature to change
include:
Blood clots
Stress.
Heat illness (e.g., heat stroke, heat exhaustion)
Infection.
Hypothyroidism.
Dehydration.
Sunburn.
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Hormonal changes.
As you age, your body isn’t able to regulate your body temperature as
well as it should. That’s why you may note more frequent temperature
changes if you’re 65 or older.
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the measurement of the pressure or force of blood
against the walls of your arteries.
Blood pressure is written as two
numbers.
Systolic pressure is the first number. It measures the
pressure in your arteries when your heart beats
and pushes blood out to your body.
Diastolic pressure is the second number. It measures the
pressure in your arteries when
your heart rests between beats.
Healthy blood pressure for an adult, relaxed at rest, is less than
120/80 mm Hg.
Healthcare professionals generally use four categories
to define blood pressure readings in adults:
Healthy: The systolic number is 120 or
less, and the diastolic number is 80 or less.
Elevated: Readings
that consistently range from 120 mmHg to 129 mmHg
systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic
Stage 1 hypertension: Readings
that consistently range from 130 mmHg to 139 mmHg
systolic or 80 mmHg to 89 mmHg diastolic
Stage 2 hypertension: The systolic number
is 140 or higher, or the diastolic number is 90 or
higher.
Hypertensive crisis: A reading that suddenly
exceeds 180 mmHg systolic and/or 120 mmHg diastolic and
remains high when measured a second time after five
minutes: This stage of high blood pressure requires
immediate medical attention.
How do I check my blood pressure at home?
You can check
your blood pressure at home by using a manual or digital blood
pressure monitor (sphygmomanometer).
Here is how you can take an accurate blood
pressure reading at home:
Make sure you have not had a caffeinated
drink, like coffee or tea, at least 1 hour
before taking the measurement.
Do not smoke for at least 15 minutes before
taking the measurement.
A full bladder can offset the pressure
reading, so be sure to use the bathroom
before the measurement.
Sit comfortably for at least 5 minutes
before checking your pressure. It’s best not
to engage in conversation while your
pressure is being taken.
Make sure your back feels supported and that
your legs are uncrossed with your feet
firmly on the ground.
Your arm should be resting and supported at
the same level as your heart.
It’s best to check the blood pressure in
both arms to verify an accurate reading.
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If you see that the systolic (top) number is 180
or higher or if the diastolic (bottom) number is
110 or higher, seek emergency medical treatment.
Some drug stores or pharmacies offer an electronic blood pressure
reading. Be aware that these aren’t considered accurate measurements of
your blood pressure.
What is a high blood pressure measurement?
High blood pressure, or hypertension,
is a reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher. A systolic pressure of 130-139 or
a diastolic pressure of 80-89 is considered high blood pressure stage 1.
Systolic pressure greater than 140 and a diastolic pressure greater than
90 is considered high blood pressure stage 2. Your healthcare provider
will discuss with you various treatment options based on your individual
health.
A systolic pressure greater than 180 and a diastolic pressure greater
than 90 is considered a hypertensive crisis and you should consult your
healthcare provider immediately.
Blood pressure that remains high for an extended time, for example,
longer than a few years, can cause health issues, including:
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
is a reading of 90/60 mm Hg or lower. This can be normal for some people
and not a cause for concern. However, low blood pressure can cause
symptoms of an underlying health condition. Talk to your healthcare
provider if you have a low blood pressure reading and experience:
Dizziness.
Fainting.
Nausea.
Cold sweats.
Blurred vision.
What can affect my blood pressure?
Factors that can affect your blood pressure reading include, but aren’t
limited to:
If you’re measuring your blood pressure, remember these factors when
reading your results. If someone else is taking your blood pressure,
tell them about any factors that may affect your measurement.
What is normal blood pressure for children?
Pediatric blood pressure, or a child’s blood pressure, varies based on
their age.
Age
Systolic blood pressure
(top number) mm Hg
Diastolic blood pressure
(bottom number) mm Hg
0 to 3 months (newborn)
65 to 85.
45 to 55.
3 to 6 months
70 to 90.
50 to 65.
6 to 12 months
80 to 100.
55 to 65.
1 to 3 years
90 to 105.
55 to 70.
3 to 6 years
95 to 110.
60 to 75.
6 to 12 years
100 to 120.
60 to 75.
12 to 17 years
100 to 120.
70 to 80.
What is a pulse?
Your pulse is the number of times your heart beats per minute. A normal
pulse rate for a healthy adult at rest ranges from 60 to 100 beats per
minute (bpm). Pulse rates vary from person to person. Females tend to
have faster pulse rates than males.
Your pulse is lower when you’re at rest and higher when you exercise.
This happens because your body needs more oxygen-rich blood when you
exercise.
Keep in mind the following:
Talk to a provider if your pulse rate is routinely less than 60
beats per minute or more than 100 beats per minute.
Each beat should be equally spaced out.
Beats shouldn’t be excessively strong. This could indicate that your
heart is working hard.
Your heart shouldn’t skip a beat.
How do I check my pulse?
For most people, it’s easiest to measure your heart rate at
the wrist. Here are the steps to take:
Using your first and second fingertips, press gently on
the arteries that run beneath the skin of your wrist
(just below your hand) until you feel a pulse.
Have a clock nearby and begin counting your pulse when
the clock’s second hand is on the 12.
Count your pulse for 15 seconds, and then multiply that
number by 4 to calculate the number of beats per minute.
It may be worthwhile to repeat the count to see whether
you get the same number.
If you’re unsure about your results or keep getting
different results, ask someone to count or watch the
clock for you.
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The pulse rate also can be measured at the neck, but it’s
important to not press on the pulses on both sides of the
lower neck; doing so could risk blocking blood flow to the
brain.
What can affect my pulse?
Factors that can affect your pulse include:
Exercise.
Stress.
Strong emotions.
Caffeine.
Health conditions that can affect your pulse may include, but aren’t
limited to, the following:
Some medications, especially beta-blockers and digoxin,
can slow your pulse.
Health Implications of Abnormal Pulse
Besides counting when checking someone’s pulse, it’s important to pay
attention to how
strong or weak the pulse is and how steady, or regular, it is. The
speed, strength, and rhythm of the pulse can reveal a lot about the
health of the heart, as well as point to signs of diseases or conditions
that may affect how the heart functions.
A slow pulse (bradycardia) can indicate:
A disorder of the sinus node (an area of cells in the upper-right
chamber of the heart that controls its rhythm): When it
causes symptoms, sinus
bradycardia is the most common reason to need a pacemaker,
but it’s rarely life-threatening.
Heart block, in which some or all of the electrical impulses
generated by the sinus node are blocked before reaching the
ventricles (the two lower chambers of the heart)
A rapid pulse (tachycardia) can indicate:
Any number of normal conditions in which the heart beats faster than
usual, such as during exercise or stress
One of two types of cardiac
arrhythmias (abnormalities in the rate or rhythm of the heart):
supraventricular tachycardias, which arise in the atria of the heart,
and ventricular tachycardias, which arise in the ventricles
What is a respiratory rate?
A respiratory rate is the number of breaths a person
takes each minute. The rate is usually measured when a
person is resting rather than under duress or in a
stressful situation. However, in emergencies, healthcare
teams often measure the respiratory rate to monitor
what’s happening in the body at that moment.
Like other vital signs, a respiratory rate may increase
with fever, illness, or other medical conditions or
circumstances.
A normal respiratory rate for a healthy adult typically
ranges from 12 to 16 breaths per minute. To measure your
respiratory rate, count the number of breaths or times
you inhale for 15 seconds and multiply that number by 4.
How do I check my respiratory rate?
You can check your respiratory rate by:
Finding a quiet location to sit down and relax.
Use your watch and count how many breaths you take in 60 seconds.
It can be difficult to count your own breaths, especially if you’re
nervous or anxious. You can ask a friend or family member to help you
check your respiratory rate. They’ll be able to see your chest rising
and falling with each breath to get an accurate measurement.
What conditions affect my respiratory rate?
A respiration rate that’s slower than normal (bradypnea) or
that’s fast and shallow (tachypnea) is an indication of
potential health problems.
Health conditions that can affect your respiratory rate include, but
aren’t limited to, the following:
Potential Causes of Abnormal Respiratory Rate
Bradypnea
Tachypnea
Narcotic use (for medical or recreational purposes)
Fever, infection
Alcohol use
Dehydration
Metabolic problems (hypothyroidism)
Lung disease (COPD, lung cancer, asthma)
Sleep apnea (only while asleep)
Panic/anger/stress
Certain brain conditions, such as stroke or head injury
Acidosis (increase in blood acidity)
Drug overdose
Drug overdose
What is oxygen saturation?
Oxygen saturation is the amount of oxygen in your blood.
Because the body’s organs and tissues need oxygen to
work, oxygen must travel through the bloodstream to help
support the functions of the body.
For most healthy adults, a normal oxygen saturation
level is between 95% and 100%. Anything below 95% means
your body isn’t receiving enough oxygen and needs
medical attention.
You can check your oxygen saturation rate at home with a
device called a pulse oximeter. You can purchase a pulse oximeter at most
stores that carry health-related items.
To use, simply insert your fingertip into the small
device. You will feel a slight pressure, but it does not
squeeze your fingertip or cause pain. Most devices will
beep or stop flashing when the reading is complete.
If you have any questions, you can talk with a
healthcare professional about how to use your pulse
oximeter and understand the readings.
Some factors can
affect accuracy,
such as:
darker skin tones
nail polish
cold fingers
How do I check my Oxygen Saturation?
Pulse oximetry is a test used to measure the oxygen level
(oxygen saturation) of the blood. It's an easy, painless
measure of how well oxygen is being sent to parts of your
body furthest from your heart, such as the arms and legs.
A clip-like device called a probe is placed on a body part,
such as a finger or ear lobe. The probe uses light to
measure how much oxygen is in the blood. This information
helps the healthcare provider decide if a person needs extra
oxygen.
The medical term for low blood oxygen is hypoxemia. It
may happen due to:
Heart attack
Heart failure
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Anemia
Lung cancer
Asthma
Pneumonia
insufficient oxygen in the air
an inability of the lungs to inhale and send oxygen
to all cells and tissues
an inability of the bloodstream to circulate to the
lungs, collect oxygen, and transport it around the body
Warning signs of a low oxygen level include trouble
breathing, confusion, difficulty waking up, and bluish lips
or face. If your oxygen saturation is less than 95%,
you should talk to your healthcare provider. An oxygen
saturation of 90% or less is considered a medical emergency
requiring medical help right away.
Factors Affecting Vital Signs
Many things can change a person’s vital signs, making them different
from one person to another. Doctors need to think about these factors
when they look at vital signs. This helps them give the right care.
Let’s look at some important factors that affect vital signs.
Age
As people get older, their vital signs change. Babies and young kids
usually have faster heart rates and breathing. Older adults might have
lower body temperatures and slightly higher blood pressure.
Gender
Men and women can have different vital signs. Women often have slightly
faster heart rates and lower blood pressure than men. Doctors need to
remember these differences when they check vital signs.
Activity Level
How active someone is can change their vital signs. When you’re active,
your heart and breathing rate go up. But when you’re resting or
sleeping, they go down. Doctors look at how active a patient has been to
understand their vital signs better.
Health Conditions
Health problems can also change vital signs. Conditions like high blood
pressure, heart disease, and breathing issues can affect them. Even
infections like pneumonia can change vital signs. Doctors use a
patient’s health history to understand their vital signs and care for
them.
Doctors can better understand vital signs by knowing what affects them.
They look at age, gender, activity level, and health conditions. This
helps them give the best care to each patient.
Vital Signs Measurement Techniques
Getting vital signs right is key to knowing a patient’s health. Doctors
use Manual
Vital Sign Assessment and Automated
Vital Sign Monitoring to get accurate readings. The method chosen
depends on the patient’s health, the tools available, and where they are
being treated.
Manual Measurement Methods
Manual methods use old-school tools to check vital signs. For
temperature, doctors use thermometers, taking readings in different
ways. Heart and breathing rates are counted manually for a few seconds.
Blood pressure is checked with a cuff and stethoscope. Doctors listen
for Korotkoff
sounds to find the right numbers.
Automated Monitoring Devices
Automated tools are getting more popular, mainly in hospitals. Devices
like electronic cuffs and pulse oximeters give quick, accurate readings.
They also link up with electronic health records for easy tracking.
Some systems even let doctors monitor patients from afar. The choice
between manual and automated methods depends on several things.
Factor
Manual Methods
Automated Devices
Accuracy
Depends on provider skill
Generally more precise
Efficiency
Time-consuming
Faster, allows continuous monitoring
Cost
Lower upfront costs
Higher initial investment
Both manual and automated methods are vital in healthcare. Using the
right technique helps doctors understand a patient’s health and make
better decisions.
Abnormal Vital Signs and Their Implications
Abnormal vital signs can give important clues about a person’s
health. They alert doctors to possible problems that need quick action.
Changes in body temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood
pressure can show many health issues.
Hypertension and Hypotension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, means blood pressure is too
high. It can cause heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage if not
treated. On the other hand, hypotension,
or low blood pressure, can make you dizzy, faint, and tired. It might
mean you’re dehydrated, bleeding, or have sepsis.
Tachycardia and Bradycardia
Tachycardia is when your heart beats too fast, over 100 beats per
minute for adults. It can be due to stress, anxiety, fever,
dehydration, or heart issues. Bradycardia,
a slow heart rate, is under 60 beats per minute. It might mean you have
hypothyroidism, are on certain meds, or have heart block.
Fever and Hypothermia
Fever is when your body temperature goes over 100.4°F (38°C). It’s a
sign of infection, inflammation, or illness. While it’s a natural
response, high fever for
too long is dangerous and needs medical help. Hypothermia is
when your body loses heat too fast, dropping below 95°F (35°C). It’s
serious and can be caused by cold, meds, or metabolic issues.
Tachypnea and Bradypnea
Tachypnea means you’re breathing too fast, over the normal rate for
your age. It can be from anxiety, fever, lung diseases, or acidosis. Bradypnea is
slow breathing, below the normal rate. It might mean your nervous system
is depressed, you’ve overdosed on drugs, or have severe hypothyroidism.
It’s key to spot and fix abnormal
vital signs to stay healthy and avoid problems. Keeping an eye on
vital signs and talking to your doctor can catch issues early. This way,
you can get the right treatment quickly.
Advanced Vital Sign Monitoring
Healthcare providers use advanced methods to get more detailed health
information. These techniques help understand how well a patient
breathes. Two key methods are pulse
oximetry and end-tidal
carbon dioxide monitoring.
Pulse Oximetry
Pulse oximetry checks the oxygen in a person’s blood without
needles. A small device is placed on the finger, toe, or earlobe. It
shines light through the blood to see how much oxygen is there.
This method shows how much oxygen a patient has in real time. It helps
doctors spot and fix oxygen problems fast.
End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide Monitoring
End-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) monitoring, or capnography,
measures carbon dioxide in breath. A small sensor is placed near the
mouth or nose. It checks the air at the end of each breath.
This technique shows if a patient is breathing well. It’s very useful in
critical care and during anesthesia. It helps find breathing issues like
not breathing enough or blocked airways.
Using pulse
oximetry and EtCO2 monitoring gives doctors a better view of a
patient’s health. These methods add to the four main vital signs. They
help make better care plans for patients.
FAQ's
Q: What are vital signs?
A: Vital signs show how well someone is doing health-wise.
They include body temperature, heart rate, breathing rate,
and blood pressure. These signs help doctors understand a
patient’s health and spot any problems early.
Q: Why is it important to monitor vital signs?
A: Keeping an eye on vital signs helps doctors check a
patient’s health. It lets them see if anything is off and
make the right treatment choices. This way, they can help
patients get better faster.
Q: What is a normal body temperature range?
A: Adults usually have a body temperature between 97°F to
99°F. But, temperature can change based on age, gender, and
activity. It’s not the same for everyone.
Q: How is blood pressure measured?
A: Blood pressure is checked with a device called a
sphygmomanometer. It has a cuff that goes around your arm
and a gauge. The cuff is inflated, then slowly let go while
listening with a stethoscope. This gives you your blood
pressure numbers.
Q: What is pulse oximetry?
A: Pulse oximetry checks how much oxygen is in your blood.
It uses a small device on your finger, toe, or ear. The
device shines light through your blood to see how much
oxygen it has.
Q: What do abnormal vital signs indicate?
A: Abnormal
vital signs can mean different things. For example, a
high fever might mean you have an infection. High blood
pressure could mean you have hypertension.
Doctors look at all your signs and symptoms to figure out
what’s going on.
Q: Can vital signs vary based on age and gender?
A: Yes, vital signs can change with age and gender. Babies
and kids have faster heart rates and breathing. Older adults
might have lower body temperatures and higher blood
pressure. Doctors take these differences into account when
checking your vital signs.
One Final Note..
Vital signs measure the body’s basic functions. These
include your temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate,
blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.
At almost every healthcare appointment, a doctor, nurse,
or another member of the healthcare team will take your
vital signs and record them.
It’s important to establish and record baseline
measurements. A doctor can use these measurements to
notice changes that might indicate an illness or other
health concern that needs investigating.