Which vital sign metric is often higher in infants compared to adults?

In infants, the heart rate is generally higher compared to adults due to several physiological factors. Infants, particularly in the first year of life, have a higher metabolic rate, which results in a need for a faster heart rate to deliver sufficient oxygen and nutrients to vital organs. A normal resting heart rate for infants can range from about 120 to 160 beats per minute, while in adults, a typical resting heart rate is between 60 to 100 beats per minute.

This difference in heart rate is essential for meeting the metabolic demands associated with growth and development during infancy, a stage characterized by rapid cellular activity and energy expenditure. Therefore, recognizing this higher heart rate in infants is crucial for assessing their health and ensuring timely medical intervention when necessary.