Vital signs

Vital parameters are measures that reflect the basic functions of the human body . In medicine, they are measured during a physical examination to check the vital functions .

As a rule, vital parameters are differentiated based on two types of measurement. On the one hand there is the discrete measurement, i.e. the measurement of the point in time. This includes the heart rate , blood pressure , body temperature and breathing rate . On the other hand there is the continuous measurement, which includes the electrocardiogram (EKG) and electroencephalography (EEG).

To determine the discreetly measured vital parameters, you need a clinical thermometer , a clock and a blood pressure monitor to measure blood pressure . These vital parameters can also be recorded by non-medical personnel ( nurses , paramedics ). They form the basis of the “ patient curve ” in the hospital and are then supplemented by further parameters (e.g. pain score , blood sugar measurement , Glasgow Coma Scale , etc.) on a case and problem-related basis .

More recent developments allow the determination of the heartbeat, for example, by evaluating video recordings using Euler's video amplification .

Individual evidence

1. ↑ ^{a b} Hans-Bernd Rothenhäusler, Karl-Ludwig Täschner: Compendium of practical psychiatry. Springer, Vienna 2013. ISBN 978-3-7091-1237-3 . P. 71ff.
2. ↑ Holger Dambeck: Heartbeat measurement: video software makes face paint pulsate. Spiegel Online , June 27, 2012.

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !