Blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation by age
Measured in mmHg. Two numbers: systolic (heart contracting) / diastolic (heart resting). Recorded as 120/80.
| Category | Systolic | Diastolic | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | < 120 mmHg | < 80 mmHg | Maintain healthy lifestyle |
| Elevated | 120–129 mmHg | < 80 mmHg | Lifestyle changes recommended |
| High Stage 1 | 130–139 mmHg | 80–89 mmHg | Lifestyle changes; may need medication |
| High Stage 2 | 140+ mmHg | 90+ mmHg | Medication likely required. See doctor |
| Hypertensive Crisis | > 180 mmHg | > 120 mmHg | Seek emergency medical care immediately |
| Low (Hypotension) | < 90 mmHg | < 60 mmHg | Consult a doctor if symptomatic |
Source: American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. UK NHS thresholds are similar.
| Age Group | Normal Resting Heart Rate (bpm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn (0–1 month) | 70–190 bpm | Highly variable |
| Infant (1–12 months) | 80–160 bpm | Decreases with age |
| Toddler (1–2 years) | 80–130 bpm | — |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | 80–120 bpm | — |
| School age (6–10 years) | 70–110 bpm | — |
| Child (11–14 years) | 60–105 bpm | — |
| Adults (15+) | 60–100 bpm | Athletes may have 40–60 bpm |
| Elderly (65+) | 60–100 bpm | May be affected by medications |
| Bradycardia (too slow) | < 60 bpm | In adults. Seek care if symptomatic |
| Tachycardia (too fast) | > 100 bpm | At rest. Seek care if persistent |
| Category | °F | °C | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypothermia | < 95°F | < 35°C | Medical emergency — seek help immediately |
| Low normal | 97°F | 36.1°C | Normal for some individuals |
| Normal | 97–99°F | 36.1–37.2°C | Average is 98.6°F / 37°C |
| Low-grade fever | 99–100.4°F | 37.2–38°C | Monitor, rest, hydrate |
| Fever | 100.4–103°F | 38–39.4°C | Rest and fluids. See doctor if prolonged |
| High fever | 103–105°F | 39.4–40.6°C | Seek medical attention |
| Very high / dangerous | > 105°F | > 40.6°C | Medical emergency |
| Children: seek care | > 100.4°F | > 38°C | In infants under 3 months — seek care immediately |
| Age Group | Normal Range (breaths/min) |
|---|---|
| Newborn | 30–60 |
| Infant (1–12 months) | 30–60 |
| Toddler (1–3 years) | 24–40 |
| Preschool (3–6 years) | 22–34 |
| School age (6–12 years) | 18–30 |
| Adolescent (12–18 years) | 12–16 |
| Adult | 12–20 |
| Elderly (65+) | 12–28 |
| SpO2 Level | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 95–100% | Normal | No action needed |
| 91–94% | Mildly low | Consult a doctor |
| 86–90% | Low | Seek medical attention |
| < 85% | Very low | Emergency — seek immediate help |
Measured with a pulse oximeter on the finger. Note: readings can be affected by nail polish, cold hands, and poor circulation.
Vital signs give a snapshot of your body's core functions. A single out-of-range reading is not necessarily cause for alarm — readings vary throughout the day, with exercise, stress, caffeine, hydration, and dozens of other factors. Trends matter more than single measurements. If you consistently see readings outside normal ranges, speak to your doctor.
Home monitoring devices are widely available: blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters, and digital thermometers are inexpensive and useful for tracking trends over time. Share readings with your doctor rather than self-diagnosing.
Sources: American Heart Association, NHS UK, WHO, American Academy of Pediatrics. This page is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice.