Facts on File Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

APPENDIX I

VITAL SIGNS

Vital signs are the observable, objective measures

of a person’s basic health status. The four standard

vital signs are PULSE(HEART RATE), BLOOD PRESSURE,

RESPIRATION RATE(BREATHINGrate), and body tem-

perature. Within a range of normal measure-

ments, these signs vary among individuals and

according to age, gender, aerobic condition, and

level of physical activity. Health conditions further

affect vital signs. A person may have vital signs

that are outside the parameters of “normal” in a

general context though are consistent for him or

her.

389

VITAL SIGNS
Heart Rate (Pulse) Blood Pressure Breathing Rate Body Temperature
adult 60 to 89 beats per systolic < 120 millimeters 12 to 18 breaths per 97.8º to 99.1ºF
minute at rest of mercury (mm Hg) minute
diastolic < 80 mm Hg

child, 1 to 8 years 80 to 100 beats per systolic <110 mm Hg 15 to 30 breaths per 97.8º to 99.1ºF
minute at rest minute

infant, 1 to 12 100 to 120 beats per systolic 70 to 100 mm Hg 25 to 50 breaths per 97.8º to 99.1ºF
months minute at rest minute

infant, birth to 30 120 to 160 beats per systolic > 60 mm Hg 40 to 60 breaths per 97.8º to 99.1ºF
days minute at rest minute