Medical history for high blood pressure
A medical history for high blood pressure often will include questions about:
- Any family history of high blood pressure, premature heart disease (before age 45 in male relatives; before age 55 in female relatives), stroke, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
- Age when high blood pressure was first diagnosed.
- Symptoms of blocked blood vessels to the heart and legs, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or intermittent leg pain during exertion.
- Symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), such as weakness or a visual disturbance that lasts for only a few minutes.
- Any history of other diseases that affect the circulatory system or kidneys.
- High cholesterol.
- The amount of salt (sodium), fat, cholesterol, and alcohol in your diet.
- Your level of activity or exercise.
- Changes in weight.
- Use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines.
- Use of medications that may cause high blood pressure, such as birth control pills, steroids, thyroid hormone, decongestants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and some antidepressants (venlafaxine [Effexor]).
- Use of nonprescription medications and/or herbal remedies.
- Potential stress (family situations, employment status, working conditions).
- Previous testing and treatment of high blood pressure, including whether you have had side effects from certain medications.
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: April 24, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition | |
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