It is important to understand the exact progression and time course of events because:

1. Different patterns of progression can point to certain diagnoses
   • Intermittent chest pain always following physical activity is suggestive of cardiac cause
   • Sudden onset chest pain worst with deep breathing can suggested pulmonary embolism
2. This allows characterization of the acuteness or chronicity of the event and to pattern match the sequence of event to the most likely diagnosis

Silverman, J., Kurtz, S., & Draper, J. (2013). Skills for Communicating with Patients (Thrid Edit). London: Radcliffe Publishing.