[ANMCO genetic area. Significance of family history in cardiology--Part III]

Abstract

This is a proposal for collecting the family history throughout a guided form to be given to the patient when awaiting for ambulatory examination or hospital admission, before meeting the cardiologist. In this form, the patient is asked to make an effort in order to focus on his family history (diseases, signs, symptoms, medications, etc.) at least for parents, sibs, and off-springs. A nurse should be committed to give the form to the patient, making him sure that the incomplete filling does not limit the quality of the diagnostic and therapeutic work-up. Thanks to the guided form, the patient concentrates the attention on his family history, eventually consulting the relatives before being examined. The form opens stating that all data are potentially helpful, but none is essential for diagnosis and treatment. This new approach to the family history could support clinicians in having helpful news, only deepening information that seems to be more relevant for the diagnosis.