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Vital signs

Reviewed By David C. Dugdale III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department…more »

Definition

Vital signs include the heart beat, breathing rate, temperature, and blood pressure. These signs may be watched, measured, and monitored to check an individual's level of physical functioning.

Normal vital signs change with age, sex, weight, exercise tolerance, and condition.

Normal ranges for the average healthy adult vital signs are:

  • Blood Pressure: 120/80 mm/Hg
  • Breathing: 12 - 18 breaths per minute
  • Pulse: 60 - 80 beats per minute (at rest)
  • Temperature: 97.8 - 99.1 degrees Fahrenheit / average 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit
Date Last Reviewed: 02/23/2009
Copyright: ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia

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