Skip to Main Content

 
Neck pulse
Neck pulse

Vital signs

Definition:

Vital signs are physical signs that indicate an individual is alive, such as heart beat, breathing rate, temperature, and blood pressure. These signs can be observed, measured, and monitored to assess 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:

Temperature: 97.8-99.1 degrees Fahrenheit / average 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit

Breathing: 12-18 respirations (breaths) per minute

Pulse: 60-80 beats per minute (at rest)

Blood Pressure:

  • Systolic: less than 120 mm of mercury (mm Hg)
  • Diastolic: less than 80 mm Hg




Review Date: 6/4/2003

Reviewed By: Bridget Martell, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).


The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.



adam.com