Pericarditis: Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) is an important component in the diagnosis of pericarditis (inflammation of the heart sac).

Family history

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

Social history

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

  • Are you experiencing pain? If yes, when does the pain occur?
  • Where is the pain localized? (e.g., behind the breastbone) Does the pain radiate (into the neck, throat, left shoulder, or arms)?
  • Does the pain intensify when lying down, sitting, etc.?
  • Do you have abdominal pain?
  • Do you suffer from (seizure-like) shortness of breath?*
  • Do you feel sluggish, tired?
  • Have you noticed water retention on the body?
  • Have you noticed an increase in weight? (v.a. Increase in abdominal girth due to ascites / abdominal dropsy).

Vegetative anamnesis incl. nutritional anamnesis.

  • Have you lost weight? Please tell us your body weight (in kg) and height (in cm).
  • 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?

Self history incl. medication history.

  • Pre-existing conditions (cardiovascular disease, infections).
  • Operations
  • Allergies

Medication history

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