When taking a history, the physician will inquire about the patient's general health as well as any specific symptoms.

Physicians should take careful histories, avoiding any impulse to lead the patient into providing expected answers. Rather, the physician should allow the patient to volunteer information, particularly in regard to any specific concerns. The physical examination should be conducted after the history, in a quiet room with as few distractions as possible. A careful history improves the ability of the physician to identify problems during the physical examination by providing insights into potential findings.

	Dr. Lewis taking a patient's history.

The physician will also inquire about any medications that the patient currently uses, including nonprescription and alternative medicines. Current estimates indicate that one in three patients uses nonprescription medicines or alternative therapies—in particular, aspirin, or acetaminophen, nonsteroidal arthritis medications, vitamin therapies, and herbal remedies. Since vitamins and herbal supplements have a chemical basis for their actions, just like prescription medications, they can interact with prescribed therapies. Patients should answer questions about their use of medications honestly and not conceal any information that could be beneficial in determining treatment. Exit polls have revealed that some patients choose not to tell their physicians the truth about their use of alternative therapies, perhaps fearing their physician's disapproval.

Finally, the physician will inquire about the patient's personal habits. The consumption of alcohol and caffeinated beverages, both the frequency and the amount, presents an important cardiovascular consideration. Any current or past history of drug abuse will also need to be discussed. Certain drugs—in particular, crack and cocaine—have been linked to heart attacks and heart disease in patients who would not otherwise be at risk.