heart and blood vessel disorders
Medical History and Physical Examination for Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders
Medical History for Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders
When doctors "take a medical history," they ask people to explain the "story" of what is bothering them. Doctors first ask about symptoms. Chest Pain , Other, more general symptoms, such as fever, weakness, fatigue, lack of appetite, and a general feeling of illness or discomfort (malaise), may be due to a heart disorder but have many other causes. Pain, numbness, or muscle cramps in a leg may suggest Overview of Peripheral Arterial Disease , which affects the arteries of the arms, legs, and trunk (except those supplying the heart). Next, doctors ask about Any prior history of Overview of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) , Whether a person is sedentary or active Symptoms that occur during exertion or exercise and that are relieved by rest Use of medications (including prescription, nonprescription, and/or naturopathic), dietary supplements, illicit drugs, alcohol, and tobacco Family history of disorders that affect the heart or blood vessels 