Aging changes in vital signs
The vital signs include:
- Blood pressure
- Body temperature
- Breathing rate
- Heart rate (pulse)
BODY TEMPERATURE
Normal body temperature does not change significantly with aging. However, as you get older, it becomes more difficult for the body to control its temperature. Loss of subcutaneous fat makes it harder to maintain body heat. Many older people find that they need to wear layers of clothing in order to feel warm.
Aging decreases one's ability to sweat. Older adults find it more difficult to tell when they are becoming overheated. Older people are at greater risk for overheating (hyperthermia or heat stroke). They are also at risk for dangerous drops in body temperature (hypothermia).
Fever is an important sign of illness in the elderly. Many times, fever is the only symptom for several days. Any fever that is not explained by a known illness should be investigated by a health care provider.
Often, older people are unable to create a higher temperature with infection so very low temperatures and checking the other vital signs plays an important role in following these people for signs of infection.
HEART AND BREATHING RATE
As you grow older, you may not be able to tolerate as much exercise as you once did. It takes longer for the pulse to increase when exercising, and longer to slow back down after exercise. The maximum heart rate reached with exercise is lowered.
However, although lung function decreases slightly, breathing rate usually does not change with age.Breathing problems are seldom normal. A very elderly person should be able to breathe without effort under usual circumstances.
BLOOD PRESSURE
Many older people find that they become dizzy if they stand up too suddenly. This occurs when blood pressure suddenly drops. A drop in blood pressure upon standing is called orthostatic hypotension.
The risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension) increases as you get older. Other heart-related problems more commonly seen among older adults include:
- Excessively slow pulse (bradycardia) or fast pulse (tachycardia)
- Heart rhythm problems ( arrhythmias) such as atrial fibrillation
EFFECTS OF MEDICATION ON VITAL SIGNS
Medications that are used to treat common disorders in the elderly may also have an effect on the vital signs.
For example, digitalis used for heart failure and certain blood pressure medications called beta blockers may cause the pulse to slow.
Diuretics can cause low blood pressure and cause it to drop when changing body positions.
RELATED ARTICLES
Alternative Names
Blood pressure - aging changes; Breathing rate - aging changes; Temperature - aging changes
Update Date: 12/13/2010
Updated by: Michael Langan, M.D. Department of Geriatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2012, A.D.A.M., Inc. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions.
