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Vital Signs

Vital signs measure the basic functions of your body. They include your body temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiratory (breathing) rate. Normal ranges for these signs vary by age, BMI and other factors. Pediatric vital signs aren’t the same as adult vital signs. A healthcare provider will let you know if you need to monitor any of your vital signs.

What are vital signs?

Vital signs measure your body’s basic functions. The measurements check your general physical health. They’re the first step of any medical exam or evaluation. Vital signs are important because they give a healthcare provider clues about any underlying conditions that affect your health or show your progress toward recovery.

There are five main vital signs:

Body temperature.

Blood pressure.

Pulse (heart rate).

Respiratory rate (breathing rate).

Oxygen saturation (the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood)

Measuring vital signs is usually the first step in almost every medical evaluation. Doctors use these measurements to better understand how a person’s body is functioning and to detect possible health concerns.

Print a copy of the Vital Signs Log for your use

By monitoring a person’s vital signs consistently, such as at every health checkup, a doctor can establish a baseline for that person. Vital signs can then act as early warning flags. For example, a change in a person’s baseline measurements might point to an underlying illness or heart issue that has not yet been diagnosed.

What factors affect vital signs?

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?

Normal vital signs vary based on your age, BMI, sex and overall health.

Vital sign Adults

Adults
Temperature	97.8 F to 99.1 F (36.5 C to 37.3 C).
Blood pressure	90/60 mm Hg to 120/80 mm Hg.
Pulse	60 to 100 beats per minute.
Respiratory rate	12 to 18 breaths per minute.
Oxygen saturation	95-99% (SaO2) - 73% (SvO2)

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.+

Purchase a thermometer for yourself here at iHealth Labs Inc

Print a copy of the Vital Signs Log for your use

What is a fever?

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.

Purchase a blood pressure monitor for yourself here at iHealth Labs Inc

Print a copy of the Vital Signs Log for your use

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:

Atherosclerosis (hardening of your arteries).

Heart failure.

Stroke.

What is a low blood pressure measurement?

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:

Caffeine or beverages containing alcohol.

Certain medications.

Weight loss or weight gain.

Cold temperatures.

Exercise.

A full bladder.

A full stomach.

The amount of salt in your diet.

Smoking.

Stress.

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.

Purchase a blood pressure monitor for yourself here at iHealth Labs Inc

Print a copy of the Vital Signs Log for your use

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:

An infection.

Dehydration.

Stress.

Anxiety.

Thyroid conditions.

Anemia.

Shock.

Arrhythmia.

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.

Purchase a pulse oximeter for yourself here at iHealth Labs Inc

Print a copy of the Vital Signs Log for your use

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.

Print a copy of the Vital Signs Log for your use

Purchase a pulse oximeter for yourself here at iHealth Labs Inc

What conditions affect my Oxygen Saturation?

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.

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.

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