What is Vital about your Vital Signs?

February 25, 2020 – When we all visit our physician, we also get our vital signs taken. They like to see what our pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen levels are. What is considered a healthy range for these numbers?

Body Temperature

1. Normal range is 97.8 to 99 degrees
2. If measured under the arm the amount is usually about 0.5 degrees lower than by your mouth
3. Can be measured on your forehead or ear with the correct thermometer

Pulse Rate

1. Normal range is 60-100 beats per minute for most adults
2. Healthy and active adults can have pulse rates below 60 beats per minute and still be healthy and without any problems
3. Pulse can be taken with monitors or by using your index and middle finger and finding your pulse on the palm side of your wrist just below your thumb and wrist crease

Respiration Rate

1. Normal range is 12-16 breaths per minute for most adults

Blood Pressure

1. Normal is usually between 100 and 120 mmHg on the top number and 60 to 80 mmHg on the bottom number
2. The top number measures the pressure of the blood in the artery when the heart is pumping, and the bottom number measures the pressure of the blood when the heart is filling

Understanding these simple numbers can help you screen yourself at home for any early signs of potential problems. A thermometer and a simple electronic blood pressure cuff can be purchased inexpensively and can be great life saving tools for you to keep around your house. If you ever have any questions or concerns about what you are measuring, you can contact us at 402-234-3333 in Louisville or 402-298-4747 in Plattsmouth for guidance.

Your Witte Physical Therapy Team #homegrown #backtolife