History

The history of presenting complaint should be directed towards identifying symptoms reflecting acute or progressive end organ involvement.

This table outlines the features which indicate potential end organ damage.

Organ system Symptoms Underlying pathology
Cardiovascular Chest pain

Dyspnoea

Myocardial ischaemia

Myocardial infarction

Thoracic aortic dissection

Left ventricular failure

Pulmonary oedema

Central Neurological Headache

Seizures

Visual disturbance

Confusion

Weakness

Cerebral encephalopathy +/- cerebral Haemorrhage
Renal Oliguria

Nocturia

Renal impairment