Interpretation of Past History in History Taking and Clinical Examination

 Past medical history:

a. Major illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, reactive airway disease,

 congestive heart failure, angina, or stroke should be detailed.

 i. Age of onset, severity, end-organ involvement.

 ii. Medications taken for the particular illness including any recent changes

to medications and reason for the change(s).

 iii. Last evaluation of the condition (example: when was the last stress test

or cardiac catheterization performed in the patient with angina?)

 iv. Which physician or clinic is following the patient for the disorder?

b. Minor illnesses such as recent upper respiratory infections.

c. Hospitalizations no matter how trivial should be queried.