When did taking vital signs start?

Taking vital signs has a long history, with early forms dating back to ancient civilizations, where practitioners would assess pulse and breathing as indicators of health. The modern practice began to formalize in the 19th century, particularly with the development of more precise measurement techniques for temperature, pulse, and respiration. The introduction of tools like the sphygmomanometer for blood pressure measurement in the late 1800s further advanced the practice. Today, vital signs are essential in clinical settings for monitoring patient health.