Heart Muscle Diseases (Cardiomyopathies): Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of cardiomyopathies.

Family History

  • Is there a history of frequent heart disease in your family?

Social history

Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints).

  • Do you notice shortness of breath when you exert yourself?
  • At what level of exertion does the shortness of breath occur?
    • Do you have shortness of breath without exertion?*
    • Do you wake up at night because of shortness of breath?*
    • Do you feel anxious when you do this?
    • Do you have an irritating cough?
  • Do you have any cardiac arrhythmias (heart palpitations; palpitations)?
  • When do these symptoms occur? Under stress? Under rest?
  • What symptoms do you notice?
    • Dizziness?*
    • Loss or threat of unconsciousness?*
  • Have you ever noticed symptoms such as sudden chest tightness or chest pain?
  • Do these chest pains radiate? If so, where do they radiate?*
  • Do your legs swell during the day?
  • Do you have to get up at night to urinate? If so, how often?
  • Do you feel nauseous or have pain in the stomach area more often?
  • Have you noticed an increased girth in your abdomen or legs?
  • Do you have to cough frequently and have frothy sputum?
  • Do you feel diminished ability to perform?
  • Do you notice a rapid pulse?
  • Do you often have cold and bluish discolored lips and fingers?
  • Do you have cold sweats, are you pale and do you have a drop in blood pressure?* .

Vegetative history including nutritional history.

  • Have you lost body weight?
  • Has your appetite changed?
  • Do you get enough exercise every day?
  • Do you smoke? If so, how many cigarettes, cigars or pipes per day?
  • Do you drink alcohol? If yes, what drink(s) and how many glasses per day?
  • Do you use drugs? If yes, what drugs (cocaine) and how often per day or per week?

Self history incl. drug history.

  • Pre-existing conditions (heart disease)
  • Operations
  • Allergies
  • Medication history

* If this question has been answered with “Yes”, an immediate visit to the doctor is required! (Information without guarantee)