Archives: Abbreviations

HTN stands for Hypertension. What does HTN mean? High blood pressure. When is HTN used? A major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

MI stands for Myocardial infarction. What does MI mean? A heart attack; death of heart muscle from blocked blood flow. When is MI used? A medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.

CHF stands for Congestive heart failure. What does CHF mean? The heart cannot pump blood effectively, causing fluid buildup. When is CHF used? Presents with breathlessness, edema, and fatigue.

COPD stands for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. What does COPD mean? A chronic lung condition causing airflow obstruction. When is COPD used? Includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema; often smoking-related.

HPI stands for History of present illness. What does HPI mean? A detailed account of the current problem's development. When is HPI used? Expands on the chief complaint during assessment.

CC stands for Chief complaint. What does CC mean? The main reason the patient is seeking care, in their own words. When is CC used? The starting point of the clinical assessment.

SHx stands for Social history. What does SHx mean? Information about the patient's lifestyle, occupation, and habits. When is SHx used? Includes smoking, alcohol, and living situation.

FHx stands for Family history. What does FHx mean? A record of medical conditions in the patient's family. When is FHx used? Helps assess hereditary and genetic risk.

PMH stands for Past medical history. What does PMH mean? A record of the patient's previous illnesses and conditions. When is PMH used? Key part of history-taking on admission.

Sx stands for Symptoms / Surgery. What does Sx mean? Symptoms; or, in some contexts, surgery. When is Sx used? Meaning depends on context.