Definition of Vital Signs

The Vital signs They are a series of parameters product of the activity of various vital organs that can be measured in individuals. They are called signs since their identification is the product of a medical examination.

Its presence is a sign of the integrity of the function of the nervous system neurovegetative, as well as organs such as the lung and heart. The absence of vital signs is a sign of death.

These parameters undergo variations throughout life, with ranges of values ​​that vary if it is a child, an adult or a child. old man.

What are the vital signs

Pulsations. The pulsations, also known as the heart rate, are oscillations that are felt in the wall of the arteries, are due to the volume of blood that enters these structures with each heartbeat. Under normal conditions the pulse has a rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute, which corresponds to the rate with which the heart beats. In order to decide the pulse is necessary to press with a finger on a superficial artery, the most used with the artery radial that is located in the anterior aspect of the wrist on the side of the thumb and the carotid artery that is located in the neck.

Breathing frequency. Another important parameter to evaluate is the frequency with which you breathe, this value is obtained by observing inspiration movements of the chest, or when listening for breath sounds during auscultation pulmonary. The normal value for the respiratory rate ranges from 12 to 18 breaths per minute.

Blood pressure. Pressure or blood pressure is, as its name indicates, the pressure that exists in arteries at the time of expulsion of blood from the heart (systole), as well as when they return to their initial position or resting phase (diastole). The normal value for this parameter is 120/80 mmHg, which can vary from 100/60 mmHg to 140/90 mmHg. In order to To obtain blood pressure values ​​it is necessary to use a device known as a blood pressure monitor or sphygmomanometer

Temperature. The regulation of body temperature It is a function that takes place in the brain, specifically at the level of the hypothalamus. Our organism is managed in a very narrow range of temperature that goes from 36.5 to 37.5 ° C, below the 36.5 ° C speaks of hypothermia, while above 37.5 ° C it is considered that there is a state of hyperthermia or fever. The temperature is determined with the use of the thermometer.

What is the importance of vital signs?

These parameters are of great importance when evaluating a person who is unconscious for be able to determine if he is alive or if he has died, in cases of conditions such as shock can be hard quantify vital signs as they may be imperceptible so it may be required to carry out procedures like heart monitoring.

In conscious people, the determination of vital signs is of great importance to identify a series of disorders, such as the presence of respiratory conditions, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension or hypotension, fever or hypothermia.

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