Medical history for high blood pressure

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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.

Credits

Last updated:	April 24, 2007
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman