Vital Signs Reference
Comprehensive reference table for normal vital sign ranges by age group. Based on WikEM guidelines and pediatric clinical standards for field use.
Vital Signs Reference
| Age Range | HR (bpm) | RR (bpm) | SBP (mmHg) | DBP (mmHg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preterm < 1kg | 120-160 bpm | 30-60 bpm | 36-58 mmHg | — |
| Newborn (0-1 month) | 126-160 bpm | 30-60 bpm | 60-70 mmHg | — |
| 1-12 months | 100-140 bpm | 30-60 bpm | 70-80 mmHg | — |
| 1-3 years | 100-140 bpm | 20-40 bpm | 76-90 mmHg | — |
| 4-6 years | 80-120 bpm | 20-30 bpm | 80-100 mmHg | — |
| 7-9 years | 80-120 bpm | 16-24 bpm | 84-110 mmHg | — |
| 10-12 years | 60-100 bpm | 16-20 bpm | 90-120 mmHg | — |
| 13-14 years | 60-90 bpm | 16-20 bpm | 90-120 mmHg | — |
| 15-18 years | 60-90 bpm | 14-20 bpm | 90-130 mmHg | — |
| 18+ years | 60-100 bpm | 12-20 bpm | 90-140 mmHg | 60-90 mmHg |
| 65+ years | 60-100 bpm | 12-20 bpm | 90-150 mmHg | 60-90 mmHg |
Clinical Notes:
- Fever increases heart rate by ~10 bpm per degree Celsius
- Normal ranges are guidelines - consider individual patient factors
- Trending is more important than single measurements
- Always assess in context of clinical presentation
Concerning Signs:
- • HR >150 bpm (adult) or age-specific high
- • RR >24 bpm (adult) or labored breathing
- • SBP <90 mmHg (adult) or age-specific low
- • Altered mental status with vital changes
Assessment Tips:
- • Use appropriate cuff size for BP
- • Count respirations when patient unaware
- • Palpate pulse for quality and regularity
- • Consider environmental factors (temp, stress)
Sources: WikEM, Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, Fleming S et al. (2011)
Age Group Classifications
Newborn: 0-1 month
Infant: 1-12 months
Toddler: 1-3 years
Preschool: 4-6 years
School Age: 7-12 years
Adolescent: 13-18 years
Adult: 18-64 years
Elderly: 65+ years
Measurement Standards
Heart Rate (HR):
Beats per minute - palpated radially or apically
Respiratory Rate (RR):
Breaths per minute - observed chest rise/fall
Systolic BP (SBP):
Pressure during heart contraction (mmHg)
Diastolic BP (DBP):
Pressure during heart relaxation (mmHg)
Normal Findings
- • Vitals within age range
- • Regular rhythm and quality
- • Appropriate for activity level
- • Stable over time
Factors Affecting Vitals
- • Fever (+10 HR per °C)
- • Pain and anxiety
- • Medications
- • Physical activity
Special Populations
- • Athletes may have lower HR
- • Elderly may have higher SBP
- • Pregnant women have changes
- • Medical conditions alter norms
Quick Reference Guide
Use this reference for rapid assessment in the field. Remember that normal ranges are guidelines - clinical judgment and trending are essential.
Pro Tip: For pediatric patients, a quick rule: Minimum systolic BP = 70 + (2 × age in years) for children over 1 year.