Peripheral Vascular System History

Question 1

1. How do you investigate the history of presenting complaint in peripheral arterial disease?

Answer 1

SOC(R)ATES
1. Site - Where do you feel the pain?
2. Onset - When did the pain start
3. Character - What does the pain feel like?
4. Timing - How often do you get this pain?
5. Exacerbating factors - Does the pain limit your walking?/ How far can you walk before you feel pain?
+ How long does it take for the pain to go away after you’ve rested?
6. Severity - How bad would you say the pain is on a scale of 1-10?
7. Associated symptoms (chest pain/stroke/ED)
- Elevation of legs in critical ischaemia

Question 2

2. What else should you ask to complete the HPC?

Answer 2

1. Have you had any problems like this before?
2. Have you ever had chest pain, heart attack, stroke or blindness in one eye?
3. Previous surgery/intervention
4. RISK FACTORS
   - Hypercholesterolaemia (how do you ask about this??)
   - DM
   - Hypertension

Question 3

3. What other histories should you enquire about?

Answer 3

• Drug history and allergies
• Social history
• Family history

Question 4

What questions should be asked in the social history?

Answer 4

• Occupation
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Diet
• Exercise
• Recent travel