Home About Shands For Healthcare Professionals Newsroom ShandsConnect Index
Search:


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 may 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: 1/24/2005
Reviewed By: Thomas A. Owens, M.D., Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Illustrated Health Encyclopedia

En Español

Pregnancy Health Center

Shands Careguides

Surgeries and Procedures

Shands HealthCast