Vital signs

Systolic BP

For education. Check every result.

Anatium is a study resource, not medical advice. Nothing here is a diagnosis, a prescription or a substitute for a clinician who has seen the patient. Check every number against a current local protocol before it touches anyone, and never act on a result you cannot reproduce yourself.

Reference range

Adolescent & adult (12+ years)90 to 120 mmHg
Child (1-12 years)80 to 110 mmHg
Infant (<1 year)70 to 100 mmHg
Neonate (<28 days)60 to 90 mmHg

About

The peak pressure as the heart contracts. Falls LATE in shock, because young patients compensate by vasoconstricting until they cannot.

When it is low

Hypotension: May indicate shock, dehydration, sepsis, cardiac dysfunction, or medication effect

When it is high

Hypertension: Risk of stroke, MI, kidney damage. May indicate pain, anxiety, or chronic HTN

How it is measured

Measure at heart level. Use appropriate cuff size (bladder 80% of arm circumference).

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