Aging changes in vital signs

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Aerobic exercise	Effects of age on blood pressure	Radial pulse	Taking your carotid pulse
Warming up and cooling down

COMMON PROBLEMS

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 rate and rhythm problems are fairly common in the elderly. Excessively slow pulse (bradycardia) and arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation are common.

High blood pressure (hypertension) and a drop in blood pressure when changing body position (orthostatic hypotension) are common blood pressure problems. High blood pressure should always be discussed with your health care provider.

Breathing problems are seldom normal. Although exercise tolerance may decrease slightly, even a very elderly person should be able to breathe without effort under usual circumstances.

RELATED ARTICLES

• Aging changes in organs, tissues, and cells
• Aging changes in the heart and blood vessels
• Aging changes in the lungs

Review Date: 11/06/2006
Reviewed By: Sandra W. Cohen, M.D. Private Practice specializing in geriatrics, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.