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)