Cardiovascular history taking

Question 1

Name every symptom related to cardiovascular disease

Answer 1

chest pain, shortness of breath, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea, ankle swelling, light headedness or fainting, intermittent claudication, fatigue, sweating, nausea/vomiting, palpitations

Question 2

what do you do before taking a history

Answer 2

hand hygiene, introduction: who you are and what you will be doing, ask for consent, outline procedure, gain patient information

Question 3

what to ask in relation to family history?

Answer 3

any family history of heart disease and the age in which certain conditions occurred

Question 4

what to ask in terms of social history?

Answer 4

any background in smoking/alcohol and diet/exercise

Question 5

what does plotradio stand for?

Answer 5

P: past history of similar episodes
L: location
O: onset/offset
T: type/character of pain
R: radiation
A: aggravating/alleviating factors
D: duration
I: intensity
O: other associated symptoms

Question 6

Risk factors for ischemic heart disease include

Answer 6

• hypertension
• diabetes mellitus
• chronic kidney disease
• smoking
• family history of coronary artery disease (<60 yo)
  -hypercholesterolaemia

Question 7

what is stable angina characterised by?

Answer 7

squeezing, tightness, heaviness
Brought on by exertion
relieved by rest

Question 8

What is GORD?

Answer 8

a gastro cond, burning sensation in chest, relieved by antacid, worse after consuming certain foods and alcohol

Question 9

what is myocardial infarction/ischaema

Answer 9

low blood supply

Question 10

what other conditions should i look out for?

Answer 10

pneumonia, chest injury/rib fracture, panic attacks & inhaled objects, aortic dissection