Normal Vital Signs by Age
![Normal_Vital_Signs_By_Age_TitleGraphic_New](https://www.cardiacdirect.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Normal_Vital_Signs_By_Age_TitleGraphic_New.jpeg)
Introduction to Vital Signs
Vital Signs are a set of medical measurements that are used to assess the overall health and well-being of a person. Specifically, these measurements include heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body temperature.
Most importantly, the normal range for vital signs can vary based on a person’s age, as well as other factors such as activity level and overall health.
Heart Rate
To start, heart rate, also known as pulse, is the number of times a person’s heart beats per minute. However, a normal heart rate can depend on various factors, such as age, activity level, stress, caffeine and more.
![](https://www.cardiacdirect.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/NormalVitalSigns_Icons_HeartRate-250x250.png)
Respiratory Rate
Next, respiratory rate is the number of times a person breathes per minute. Typically, a spirometer counts the number of breathes in one minute to measure the respiratory rate. An abnormal respiratory rate may be an indicator of asthma, pneumonia, COPD or other lung diseases.
![](https://www.cardiacdirect.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/NormalVitalSigns_Icons_RespRate-250x250.png)
Body Temperature
Body temperature is a measure of the heat produced by the body. In addition, temperature is commonly measured using a thermometer or a vital signs monitor in clinical settings. However, an abnormal body temperature can be a sign of a fever, hypothermia or an infection.
![NormalVitalSigns_Icons_BodyTemp NormalVitalSigns_Icons_BodyTemp](https://www.cardiacdirect.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/NormalVitalSigns_Icons_BodyTemp-250x250.png)
Blood Pressure
Finally, blood pressure is the force of blood during heart contractions and relaxations. Moreover, it is typically measured in “mm Hg” using a Systolic Number (contracting) and Diastolic Number (relaxing).
- Healthy: The systolic number is 120 or less, and the diastolic number is 80 or less.
- Elevated: The systolic number is between 120 and 129, and the diastolic number is less than 80.
- Stage 1 hypertension: The systolic number is between 130 and 139, or the diastolic number is between 80 and 89.
- Stage 2 hypertension: The systolic number is 140 or higher, or the diastolic number is 90 or higher.
![](https://www.cardiacdirect.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/NormalVitalSigns_Icons_BloodPressure-1-250x250.png)
Normal Vital Sign Ranges by Age
- Heart Rate: 100 – 160 BPM
- Respiratory Rate:
- 0-6 months: 30 – 60 BPM
- 6-12 months: 24 – 30 BPM
- Blood Pressure:
- 0 to 6 months: 65 to 90/45 to 65 mm Hg
- 6 to 12 months: 80 to 100/55 to 65 mm Hg
- Temperature: 97.4°F – 99.6°F (36.3°C – 37.5°C)
- Heart Rate: 70 – 120 BPM
- Respiratory Rate:
- 1-5 years: 20 – 30 BPM
- 6-11 years: 12 – 20BPM
- Blood Pressure: 90 to 110/55 to 75 mm Hg
- Temperature: 97.4°F – 99.6°F (36.3°C – 37.5°C)
- Heart Rate: 60 – 100 BPM
- Respiratory Rate: 12 – 18 BPM
- Blood Pressure: 10 to 135/65 to 85 mm Hg
- Temperature: 97.4°F – 99.6°F (36.3°C – 37.5°C)
- Heart Rate: 60 – 100 BPM
- Respiratory Rate: 12 – 18 BPM
- Blood Pressure: 120/80 mm HG
- Temperature: 97.4°F – 99.6°F (36.3°C – 37.5°C)