Blood pressure - aging changes; Breathing rate - aging changes; Temperature - aging changes
InformationThe vital signsinclude:
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.
Other common heart-related problems among older adults include:
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.
Pain medicationscan slow breathing.
Diuretics can cause low blood pressure and cause it to drop when changing body positions.
RELATED ARTICLES
As people age, vital signs such as blood pressure may increase due to stiffening and narrowing of blood vessels. Resting heart rate may decrease, while respiratory rate may remain relatively stable. Body temperature regulation may become less efficient, leading to a decreased ability to maintain a stable temperature. Regular monitoring and awareness of these changes are important for maintaining overall health in older adults.
Blood pressure - aging changes; Breathing rate - aging changes; Temperature - aging changes
InformationThe vital signsinclude:
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:
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
Review Date: 12/13/2010
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.
Signs of aging at the cellular level include shortening of telomeres (protective caps on the end of chromosomes), accumulation of damage in DNA leading to mutations, decline in mitochondrial function, and increased production of free radicals causing oxidative stress. These cellular changes contribute to aging-related diseases and decline in cell function over time.
Changes such as increased muscle mass and improved immune function are not commonly found in an aging body.
Yes, changes in the molecular structure of collagen play a significant role in the aging process. Collagen is a protein that provides structure and support in the skin, and alterations in its structure lead to a decrease in skin elasticity and firmness, contributing to the visible signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin.
As people age, degenerative changes in the lens's proteins occur.
As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, including a decrease in metabolism and muscle mass.
tools for taking vital signs
Vital signs qid is an instruction to check vital signs four times daily.
Vital Signs - novel - was created in 1991.
Vital Signs - band - was created in 1986.
Vital Signs - band - ended in 1998.
how does copd affect vital signs
Aging affects vital signs in many ways. When you get older you tend to have a lower pulse and temperature. Sometimes blood pressures are extremely high or extremely low. And oxygen levels in the blood tend to be lower.
Vital Signs - novel - has 396 pages.
The most common abbreviation for Vital Signs is simply VS.
Signs of aging at the cellular level include shortening of telomeres (protective caps on the end of chromosomes), accumulation of damage in DNA leading to mutations, decline in mitochondrial function, and increased production of free radicals causing oxidative stress. These cellular changes contribute to aging-related diseases and decline in cell function over time.
cool dry skin , irregular breathing
Vital Signs - Survivor album - was created in 1984-09.