Vital Signs and Health Indicators

AIME empowers you by providing comprehensive insights into health and wellness. Each AIME scan records vital signs and health indicators, providing a clear view of your overall health. Use your measurements to track trends, detect early changes, and refine your health and wellness goals for greater peace of mind and long-term well-being.

Wellness Score

Your Wellness Score is a number from 1 to 10 that estimates your cardiovascular risk over the next 5-10 years, with higher scores indicating lower risk. The score analyzes key measurements, including heart rate, heart rate variability, stress levels, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.

The lowest value of these indicators determines your score, so if one measurement is outside the health range, your overall Wellness Score will reflect that. For accuracy, measure your Wellness Score while at rest, since vital signs change with activity, breathing patterns, and stress. Repeated measurements over time help ensure the reliability of results.

Heart Rate

How many times your heart beats per minute. A normal resting rate is 60-100 beats per minute. Tracking your heart rate can help you understand your overall health and fitness level. If you take heart medication, your doctor may instruct you to monitor your heart rate closely.

Heart rate changes based on activity, so factors such as exercise, stress, caffeine use, medications, and even body position can affect it. Heart rates are usually lower at rest, so a fast heart rate while resting could signal health issues like infection, dehydration, anxiety, or heart problems.

If your heart feels like it’s beating unusually fast, slow, or irregularly, speak with your doctor.

Respiration Rate

The number of breaths you take per minute. A normal resting rate is 12-20 breaths per minute, though women tend to breathe slightly faster than men. Tracking your breathing rate (respiration) can provide you and your healthcare provider with helpful information about your health.

When you inhale, oxygen goes to your organs. When you exhale, your body eliminates carbon dioxide. Your body automatically adjusts how fast you breathe to keep the correct balance of these gases in your blood.

Your breathing rate can change for various reasons, including illness, emotional stress, medication, and underlying medical conditions. Changes may be normal or abnormal. If you notice your breathing is rapid, slow, or different from your usual pattern, speak with your doctor.

Blood Pressure

A measure of the force of blood pushing against your artery walls as your heart pumps. Normal ranges are 100-129 (systolic) over 60-80 (diastolic). Blood pressure should always be measured when you are at rest, as it changes with activity.

Blood pressure helps move blood and oxygen through your body. Systolic, the top or first number, measures pressure when your heart contracts and pushes blood out. Diastolic, the second or bottom number, measures pressure when your heart relaxes and fills with blood.

Consistently high blood pressure (130+ systolic) is known as hypertension. It’s often called “the silent killer” because it typically has no symptoms. It raises your risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Low blood pressure (systolic below 100) can cause dizziness or fainting.

Blood pressure measurements fluctuate throughout the day, and a single high reading is usually not a cause for concern. If your readings are out of normal ranges, your doctor will want multiple readings.

Oxygen Saturation

How much oxygen your blood carrying from your lungs to the rest of your body. Normal levels are 95-100% for healthy people, but those with lung conditions may have lower normal ranges. Below 90% is called hypoxemia.

Oxygen saturation tells you how well your lungs and red blood cells are working. Various factors, including lung diseases or heart conditions, apnea, illness, altitude changes, or medications, can cause low oxygen levels. Symptoms of low oxygen saturation may include shortness of breath, fatigue, changes in heart rate, and a bluish discoloration of the skin.

If your oxygen level is low or you’re feeling unwell, speak with your doctor.

PRQ (Pulse-Respiration Quotient)

A ratio comparing your heart rate to your respiration rate. The Pulse-Respiration Quotient shows how well your heart and lungs are working together. Most healthy people have a PRQ of 5.

PRQ is calculated by dividing the number of heartbeats per minute by the number of breaths. If your heart beats 60 times and you breathe 12 times in one minute, your PRQ is 5 (60 ÷ 12 = 5).

If your PRQ is higher or lower than 5, this may mean your heart and lungs aren’t working together as efficiently as they should. An unusual PRQ could be a sign of an illness or health condition, so if you notice any changes, you should speak with your doctor.

HRV SDNN (Heart Rate Variability)

A measure of Heart Rate Variability that reflects how much your heartbeat timing varies over time. A normal value is over 50, but values naturally decrease with age, and normal ranges vary among individuals. A higher HRV SDNN often indicates that your body handles stress more effectively and recovers well. A lower HRV SDNN can be a sign of fatigue, anxiety, or poor recovery.

Variations in the timing of heartbeats are normal. A heart that beats too rigidly can suggest your nervous system isn’t responding well to changes. Higher HRV SDNN can indicate better cardiovascular fitness and health, as well as stress resilience. You may see improvements in your numbers if you implement lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, improved sleep, and relaxation techniques.

If your HRV is consistently low or you have concerns about your heart rate patterns, consult your doctor for guidance on what is normal for you.

Mean RRi

Average time (in milliseconds) between heartbeats. A longer Mean RRI (R-R interval) usually means a slower heart rate, and that you’re relaxed and recovering well. A higher reading indicates greater stress. Mean RRi is one of several values analyzed for your overall Recovery Ability/PNS reading.

RMSSD

A measure of how much your heartbeat timing varies from beat to beat. RMSDD (Root Mean Square of Successive Differences) can help identify general fatigue. Higher values usually indicate better recovery and relaxation. Lower values can suggest stress, fatigue, or overtraining. RMSSD is one of several values analyzed for your overall Recovery Ability/PNS reading.

SD1

A measure of how much your heartbeat timing changes between beats. A higher SD1 (Standard Deviation 1) usually means more variation between heartbeats, which is a sign of a healthy rest and recovery system. SD1 is one of several values analyzed for your overall Recovery Ability/PNS reading.

SD2

A measure of overall patterns in your heart rhythm. A higher SD2 (Standard Deviation 2) typically indicates greater variability in your heart rhythm, which helps assess your stress response system. SD2 is one of several values analyzed for your overall Stress Response/SNS reading.

Heart Age

An estimate of the heart’s biological age. A Heart Age that equals or is younger than your chronological age suggests your heart health is normal or above average. A Heart Age older than your chronological age suggests higher risk and potential need for lifestyle changes or medical care.

This calculation is based on the Framingham Heart Study. Heart age calculations assess personal cardiovascular risk factors against optimal ones.

Hemoglobin

A measurement of how much hemoglobin, an oxygen-carrying protein, is in your red blood cells. Healthy hemoglobin levels vary by sex. Typical ranges are 14 to 18 g/dL for men and 12 to 16 g/dL for women.

Hemoglobin measurement tells you how well your blood is carrying oxygen throughout your body. This can indicate overall health, energy levels, and how well your organs are getting adequate oxygen. Low levels can be a sign of anemia, which may cause fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath. High levels may indicate dehydration or other underlying conditions.

If you are concerned about your hemoglobin readings, please share your results with your doctor.

Hemoglobin A1C

A measure of your average blood glucose level for the past two to three months. For people without diabetes, HbA1C levels indicate the risk of developing prediabetes and diabetes. For people with diabetes, HbA1C levels are important for monitoring how well treatment is working.

Normal < 5.6 %
Prediabetes risk: ≥ 5.7% and ≤ 6.4%
Diabetes risk > 6.5 %

Stress Level

A measure of your body’s reaction to a challenge or demand. There are five stress level measurements: Low, Normal, Mild, High, and Very High. These levels are dynamic and should be monitored over time to detect trends.

Your body is designed to experience and respond both physically and mentally to stress. Stress can be positive, motivating us or guiding us from danger, but unrelieved or long-term stress negatively impacts physical and mental health.

Stress Level readings are based on Baevsky’s Stress Index and calculated with heart rate variability measurements. Your Stress Levels are indicative, not diagnostic. Your doctor may use these readings as part of an overall assessment of your health.

Stress Response (SNS)

A measure of your body’s stress response, commonly known as “fight or flight.” This reading analyzes activity in your sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The measurement is scored in three zones: Low, Normal, and High. Low and Normal suggest that your stress system is activating appropriately. High blood pressure may indicate that your body is in stress mode. Chronic stress is a risk factor for physical and mental health issues.

The Stress Response/SNS readings are general guides. If you consistently show high readings or feel constantly “on edge,” speak with your doctor for further evaluation.

Recovery Ability (PNS)

A measurement of how well your body can relax and recover after stress. PNS is scored in three zones: Low, Normal, and High.

Your parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) helps you recover by slowing your heart, relaxing your muscles, and restoring your energy after stress. Normal and High readings show that your body is effectively recovering from stress. A Low reading shows your body is struggling to shift out of stress.

The zone readings are general guides. If you consistently experience low readings in your PNS or feel that you cannot relax or recover well from daily stress, consult your doctor for an additional evaluation.

Autonomic Balance

The LF/RF ratio of heart rhythm patterns indicating the balance between your sympathetic nervous system (stress) and your parasympathetic nervous system (recovery). A lower ratio (closer to 0.27) shows your recovery system is active. A higher ratio (0.38 or above) shows your body is experiencing more stress.

LF (Low Frequency) reflects your sympathetic nervous system, which activates during stress or activity. HF (High Frequency) reflects your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps you rest and relax. The overall ratio shows whether your body is leaning more toward stress or recovery at a given time. If your LF/HF ratio is consistently outside the normal range, your doctor can help you evaluate what’s affecting your stress-recovery balance.

Stress Index

A measure of your body’s reaction to a challenge or demand. Your Stress Index is a numerical value used to indicate your Stress Level, ranging from low to very high. Measurement is based on physiological conditions. The values use Baevsky’s Stress Index, a well-established evaluation of stress, and calculations of your heart rate variability.

ASCVD Risk

An assessment of your likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases within ten years. The ASCVD (Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease) risk level is based on the Framingham score and is calculated from multiple measurements and personal details such as age and sex. Risk is presented in three levels: Low, Moderate, and High.

These levels reflect your estimated risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event within the next ten years: low risk is less than 5%, moderate risk is 5–20%, and high risk is greater than 20%.

High Blood Pressure Risk

An assessment of elevated blood pressure levels and risk of hypertension. This indicator utilizes systolic and diastolic measurements to categorize high blood pressure risk into three levels: Low, Medium, and High.

Regularly checking your blood pressure helps you catch changes early. Consistently high blood pressure often has no symptoms and is sometimes called “the silent killer.” It raises your risk for heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and other complications. Monitoring your blood pressure regularly is an easy way to help protect your health.

High Fasting Glucose Risk

An assessment of whether you are likely to have high blood sugar after fasting for 8–12 hours. This indicator is labeled as either low or high.

High fasting glucose can mean your body isn’t managing blood sugar well, which can be an early sign of prediabetes or diabetes. Because high glucose often doesn’t cause symptoms right away, tracking helps you monitor your blood sugar and make healthy changes early.

Note: This assessment is still under research.

High HbA1C Risk

An assessment of elevated Hemoglobin A1C levels, which indicate higher blood sugar levels over time. Elevated A1C levels can be a sign of prediabetes or diabetes. The risk level utilizes glycated HbA1C measurements and categorizes diabetes risk into three levels: Low, Medium, and High.

Regular monitoring of HbA1C levels provides insight into blood sugar control. If your High HbA1C Risk is consistently medium or high, you’re in a window where lifestyle changes can make a real difference. Your doctor can work with you to make essential lifestyle changes that can help bring your blood sugar levels back to healthier ranges.

Note: This assessment is still under research.

High Total Cholesterol Risk

A measurement of the likelihood of having unhealthy cholesterol levels. The risk is assessed in three levels: Low, Medium, and High.

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance needed for essential cell function and hormone production. However, excessive cholesterol levels can contribute to the buildup of fatty deposits in blood vessels, which narrows and hardens the arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Knowing your cholesterol risk level is essential for early detection.

If your risk is Medium or High, lifestyle changes can help. Your doctor may also recommend medication if needed.

Note: This assessment is still under research.

Low Hemoglobin Risk

A measurement of the likelihood of hemoglobin levels below normal. The risk is based on hemoglobin concentration in the blood and assessed as either low or high.

Hemoglobin measurement tells you how well your blood is carrying oxygen throughout your body. If your risk is High, you may have or be developing anemia. This could be due to iron deficiency, blood loss, or other health conditions. Early detection enables you to work with your doctor to identify the cause and take steps to restore healthy hemoglobin levels through dietary adjustments, supplements, or treatment of underlying conditions.

Note: This assessment is still under research.