Vital signs are measurements of basic body functions, such as temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure, and their measurement is the initial step in assessing a person’s health status.
Changes in vital signs can be caused by strong emotions, pain, pregnancy or illnesses, such as arrhythmias, infections or intoxication, for example. Furthermore, the values considered normal may also vary according to age.
If changes in vital signs are suspected, especially if symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath or weakness appear, it is recommended to consult a general practitioner so that the cause of the changes can be identified and the most appropriate treatment can be initiated.
Vital signs table
The following table shows normal vital sign values in an adult:
For vital signs to be measured and interpreted correctly, ideally their assessment should be carried out by a trained health professional, such as a doctor or nurse.
To find out how your health is, make an appointment with a general practitioner closest to you:
Main vital signs
The main vital signs are:
1. Temperature
Normal body temperature varies from 36.5ºC to 37.2ºC and, when a value greater than or equal to 37.3ºC is found on the thermometer, it is normally considered that the person has a fever. However, between 37.3ºC and 38ºC, the fever is classified as low.
Read too: How many degrees is a fever (and how to measure temperature)
The temperature varies depending on the person’s metabolism, hormonal changes, physical activity at the time, the part of the body in which it is measured and the temperature of the environment in which the person is, for example. However, when it is elevated, it can also indicate an infection.
How to measure: Temperature measurement can be done with a glass or digital thermometer, placing its tip in the armpit, under the tongue or in the rectum for a few seconds. However, there are special thermometers that allow you to measure the temperature on the skin or ear.
To find out if your temperature is normal, please enter the value found on the thermometer into the calculator below:
2. Heart rate
Heart rate is the number of times the heart beats per minute and the normal value varies between 60 and 100 beats for an adult at rest. While values below 60 beats are known as bradycardia, above 100 beats are called tachycardia.
Changes in heart rate can be caused by strong emotions, physical activity, pain, medications and illnesses, such as arrhythmias or infections, for example. Furthermore, in children, normal heart rate varies depending on age. Know the normal heart rate value by age.
How to measure: To measure your heart rate, you must place your index and middle fingers on the side of your neck or wrist, where you can feel the pulsations generated by the beats and count them. If the pulsations are regular, the calculation can be done by counting them for 15 seconds and multiplying the result by 4.
Fill in the data in the calculator below to find out the recommended heart rate for you or to understand if your heart rate is appropriate for your age:
3. Respiratory rate
Respiratory rate corresponds to the number of complete breaths in one minute and normally varies from 12 to 20 respiratory movements per minute in an adult. Values above 20 breaths per minute are known as tachypnea and, when below 12 breaths, bradypnea.
Read too: Tachypnea: what it is, causes and what to do
Changes in respiratory rate can be seen in the case of intense physical activity, strong emotions and illnesses, such as pneumonia, asthma or poisoning, for example. Furthermore, especially in young children, normal respiratory rate values vary according to age.
How to measure: The respiratory rate must be measured with the person at rest and can be checked by counting the number of respiratory movements of the chest that occur in one minute.
4. Blood pressure
Blood pressure is the force that blood exerts on the vessel wall when pumped and its normal values vary mainly according to age. In adults, normal systolic pressure ranges from 90 to 129 mmHg and diastolic pressure ranges from 60 to 84 mmHg. Understand better what blood pressure is and when it is normal.
How to measure: Blood pressure is measured using automatic devices or a sphygmomanometer and the correct technique varies depending on the device chosen. Before measuring, it is important that the person rests for at least 5 minutes.
Read too: How to measure blood pressure correctly
To find out if your blood pressure is good, please enter your blood pressure measurements into the calculator below:
