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)