Taking the history and examining the cardiovascular system

A full history and physical examination remain an integral part of assessment of the cardiac patient in the twenty-first century. It is profoundly unwise to rely solely on the results of imaging and other investigations. Total reappraisal is necessary when the history, examination and investigations are discordant – no investigation is infallible and the clinical assessment should never be ignored. The four main symptoms of cardiological problems (chest pain/discomfort, breathlessness, palpitations and light headedness/syncope) are summarized and their presentation in the history discussed. Appropriate sections of the cardiac examination are summarized.