Vital signs

1. Blood Pressure (BP)

• Definition: The force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood.
• Measurement: Recorded as two numbers (e.g., 120/80 mmHg):
  • Systolic Pressure (top number): Pressure when the heart contracts.
  • Diastolic Pressure (bottom number): Pressure when the heart relaxes.
• Normal Range:
  • Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
  • Elevated: 120–129/<80 mmHg
  • High (Hypertension): ≥130/80 mmHg
• Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension): Below 90/60 mmHg

2. Heart Rate (Pulse)

• Definition: The number of heartbeats per minute (bpm).
• Normal Range:
  • Adults: 60–100 bpm
  • Athletes: May be lower (around 40–60 bpm)
  • Infants and children: Higher than adults (up to 120–160 bpm for newborns)
• Abnormalities:
  • Tachycardia: Heart rate >100 bpm
  • Bradycardia: Heart rate <60 bpm

3. Respiratory Rate

• Definition: Number of breaths per minute.
• Normal Range:
  • Adults: 12–20 breaths per minute
  • Infants: 30–60 breaths per minute
• Abnormalities:
  • Tachypnea: Fast breathing (>20 breaths per minute)
  • Bradypnea: Slow breathing (<12 breaths per minute)
  • Apnea: Absence of breathing

4. Temperature

• Definition: Body's core temperature reflecting metabolic activity.
• Normal Range: 36.1°C to 37.2°C (97°F to 99°F)
• Fever: > 38°C (100.4°F)
• Hypothermia: < 35°C (95°F)

5. Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)

• Definition: Percentage of oxygen in the blood.
• Normal Range: 95%–100%
• Hypoxemia: Below 90% indicates low oxygen levels, which can be life-threatening.

✅ Why Vital Signs Matter

Vital signs help assess:
✔️ Overall health condition
✔️ Response to treatments
✔️ Early detection of medical issues
✔️ Emergency situations (e.g., heart attack, stroke, shock)