ABSTRACT
The history provides essential information for assessing cardiovascular risk, the probability of an individual having vascular disease and its prognosis, which in turn determines management. A diagnosis can often be made from the history. Patients with cardiac disorders may have symptoms only when they exert themselves, and may therefore reduce their activities. A history of hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors, or a history of previous myocardial infarction and revascularisation, will help to explain the pathology of the condition and guide management. Despite time restrictions in general practice, the patient should be allowed to talk about their symptoms and concerns. Alcohol has a variety of cardiovascular side-effects, but it is not clear how much an individual can take without adverse effects. Adverse effects include arrhythmia. Angina is usually described as chest discomfort, tightness, pressure, burning or breathlessness lasting seconds or a few minutes in the chest, radiating to the arms and/or neck.
