HAYA Vital
Understanding your vital signs is the first step to taking care of your health. Learn what is normal and when to seek medical attention.
What Are Vital Signs?
Vital signs are measurements of your body's most basic functions. They tell you and your health provider how well your body is working. The five main vital signs are body temperature, pulse (heart rate), blood pressure, breathing rate, and oxygen saturation. Knowing your vital signs and understanding what is normal can help you notice when something is wrong and when to seek help.
Body Temperature
Normal: 36.1°C to 37.2°C (97°F to 99°F)
Your body temperature tells you whether your body is at a healthy level of warmth. A normal temperature is between 36.1°C and 37.2°C. Temperature can vary slightly depending on the time of day, your activity, and where on the body it is measured.
Seek Medical Attention If
- Temperature above 38.3°C (101°F) that does not come down with rest and fluids
- Temperature below 35°C (95°F), which may indicate hypothermia
- Fever lasting more than 3 days
- Fever in a child under 3 months old
- Fever with stiff neck, confusion, or difficulty breathing
Pulse (Heart Rate)
Normal: 60 to 100 beats per minute at rest
Your pulse is the number of times your heart beats in one minute. You can feel your pulse by placing two fingers on the inside of your wrist or on the side of your neck. A normal resting pulse for adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Athletes may have a lower resting pulse.
Seek Medical Attention If
- Resting pulse above 120 beats per minute
- Resting pulse below 50 beats per minute (if you are not an athlete)
- Irregular heartbeat that you can feel (skipping or racing)
- Pulse changes accompanied by dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath
Blood Pressure
Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg (normal)
Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels. It is written as two numbers: the top number (systolic) and the bottom number (diastolic). Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg. Elevated blood pressure is 120-129 over less than 80. High blood pressure stage 1 is 130-139 over 80-89. High blood pressure stage 2 is 140 or higher over 90 or higher.
Seek Medical Attention If
- Blood pressure above 180/120 mmHg (this is a hypertensive crisis and requires immediate help)
- Blood pressure consistently above 140/90 mmHg
- Blood pressure with symptoms like severe headache, chest pain, vision problems, or difficulty breathing
- Very low blood pressure with dizziness, fainting, or confusion
Breathing Rate
Normal: 12 to 20 breaths per minute at rest
Your breathing rate is the number of breaths you take in one minute while at rest. To measure it, count the number of times your chest rises in 60 seconds. A normal breathing rate for adults is between 12 and 20 breaths per minute.
Seek Medical Attention If
- Breathing rate above 24 breaths per minute at rest
- Breathing rate below 10 breaths per minute at rest
- Difficulty breathing or feeling like you cannot get enough air
- Breathing that is noisy, wheezing, or labored
- Blue or grey color around the lips or fingertips
Oxygen Saturation
Normal: 95% to 100%
Oxygen saturation measures how much oxygen your blood is carrying. It is measured with a small device called a pulse oximeter that clips onto your finger. A normal reading is between 95% and 100%. Lower readings mean your body may not be getting enough oxygen.
Seek Medical Attention If
- Oxygen saturation below 92%
- A sudden drop in oxygen saturation
- Low oxygen saturation with shortness of breath, confusion, or chest pain
Home and Office Vital Signs Kits
Having a basic vital signs kit at home or in your office can help you monitor your health regularly. A basic kit typically includes:
- A thermometer to measure body temperature
- A blood pressure monitor (manual or digital)
- A pulse oximeter to measure oxygen saturation and pulse
These tools are widely available and easy to use. If you are unsure how to use them, ask a health worker or pharmacist for guidance.
Monitoring your vital signs at home is helpful, but it is not a substitute for seeing a doctor. If you notice anything unusual, please visit a qualified health professional. HAYA provides this information to help you understand your body, not to replace medical care.