Vital signs

What does "Vital signs" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.

Explanation

"Vital signs" in medicine refers to the basic measurements of a person's body functions that indicate their overall health. These typically include body temperature, heart rate (how fast the heart is beating), breathing rate (how fast a person is breathing), and blood pressure (the force of blood against the walls of the arteries). Doctors and nurses monitor these signs to check for any abnormalities, which could suggest a medical condition or disease.

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