One of the first things a healthcare provider does during your appointment is check your vital signs. Vitals signs include body temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate measurements. Learn three reasons why vital signs matter at every appointment.
They Help Establish a Health Baseline
Vital signs provide crucial information about your overall health because they indicate how well your body performs basic functions. Using vital signs to assess your overall health is one part of establishing your health baseline.
A health baseline is the standard or reference point against which your medical care providers can assess future changes. A baseline provides essential information about what is normal for the specific patient rather than what’s normal for the patient’s general demographic based on age, gender, medical history, and other factors.
The Health Baseline Is Important for Every Patient
Even people with no known health conditions and those who do not take medicine often should establish a health baseline. Any significant changes from the baseline can indicate potential health issues or changes in your well-being.
They Assist in the Detection of Health Problems
Another reason why vital signs matter at every appointment is that they can aid in the early detection of health problems. Certain abnormalities in vital signs can indicate underlying health conditions.
High blood pressure readings may indicate hypertension, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke if left untreated. If your doctor notices an abnormal vital sign, they can suggest preventative measures or implement interventions. In the case of high blood pressure, your doctor might suggest lifestyle changes you can make, such as reducing sodium in your diet.
They Help Prevent Errors in Diagnosis or Treatment
Vital signs prevent errors in diagnosis and treatment. Many medical problems share similar symptoms, but vital signs help physicians identify the correct medical condition presenting in the patient.
For people who require ongoing treatment, vital signs help doctors monitor their progress. By tracking vital signs over time, doctors can evaluate treatment effectiveness and make adjustments to ensure patients progress toward their health goals.
Vital signs help establish a patient’s health baseline, enable early detection of health problems, and help prevent errors in diagnosis or treatment. Medical facilities can provide the best patient care with vital signs equipment from All States M.E.D. Shop with us today for equipment you’ll use for every appointment.