Vital signs are measurements of the body’s most basic functions. The four main vital signs routinely monitored by medical professionals and health care providers are listed below with their accompanying normal ranges.
- Blood pressure: 90/60 mm Hg to 120/80 mm Hg
- Breathing: 2 to 18 breaths per minute
- Pulse: 60 to 100 beats per minute
- Temperature: 97.8°F to 99.1°F (36.5°C to 37.3°C); average 98.6°F (37°C)
Vital signs are useful in detecting or monitoring medical problems. Vital signs can be measured in a medical setting, at home, at the site of a medical emergency, or elsewhere. In some special circumstances, additional vital sign monitoring can be appropriate and advised, e.g., monitoring blood oxygen and verifying it’s over 95% as an early warning sign during the COVID-19 pandemic.