Family history is particularly important for cardiac assessment because CVD, HTN, hyperlipidemia, and other vascular diseases often have a familial association that is
not easily ameliorated by lifestyle changes. If there are deaths in the family related to CVD, determine the age and exact cause of death, because CVD at a young age
in the immediate family carries an increased risk compared with CVD in an elderly family member. Ask about sudden death, which might indicate a congenital disease such as Marfan's syndrome. This is especially important to ask during pre-sports physicals because sudden death in athletes is often related to congenital or familial heart disease. Familial hyperlipidemia is autosomal dominant and often leads to CAD and MI at a young age. Family history of obesity and type 2 diabetes are also secondary risk factors for heart disease because the familial tendency for these is strong. Ask about smoking in the house, as secondhand smoke is a risk factor for respiratory and cardiac disease. (Goolsby 167-168)
Goolsby, Mary J., Laurie Grubbs. Advanced Assessment Interpreting Findings and Formulating Differential Diagnoses, 3rd Edition . F.A. Davis Company, 11/2014. VitalBook file. Points Received: 2 of 2 Comments:
Question 2.Question :A key symptom of ischemic heart disease is chest pain. However, angina equivalents may include exertional dyspnea. Angina equivalents
are important because: Student Answer: Women with ischemic heart disease many times do not present with chest pain