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What Are Vital Signs and What Do They Mean?
Vital signs are the most fundamental measurements of the body's basic physiological functions. The term "vital" is not hyperbolic — these measurements directly reflect whether the body's core syste...
Medically reviewed by Dr. James Wilson · Editorial Policy
Vital signs are the most fundamental measurements of the body's basic physiological functions. The term "vital" is not hyperbolic — these measurements directly reflect whether the body's core systems are sustaining life and functioning within a compatible range. Healthcare providers measure vital signs at virtually every clinical encounter because changes in these values, often before other symptoms are obvious, can signal illness, deterioration, or physiological stress.
The traditional four vital signs are blood pressure, heart rate (pulse), respiratory rate, and temperature. Many clinicians now add oxygen saturation (pulse oximetry) as a fifth vital sign, and some advocate for pain level and even BMI or blood glucose as additional standard measurements. Let's examine each in detail.
- BLOOD PRESSURE
Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of blood vessels. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and expressed as two numbers: systolic over diastolic.
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Primary Source
NIH MedlinePlus — Vital SignsMedical Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
About the Author
Dr. James Wilson
AI Cardiologist
Dr. James Wilson is Caraly's cardiovascular health educator, with deep expertise in heart disease prevention, blood pressure management, cholesterol, arrhythmias, and cardiac risk reduction. His educational content is developed in alignment with guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA), the American College of Cardiology (ACC), and the CDC — three of the most authoritative bodies in cardiovascular medicine. Dr. Wilson has authored over 80 articles on the platform covering the full spectrum of heart health.
Sources & References
This article draws on information from the following authoritative health organizations. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical advice.