Which statement would correctly represent a past health history?

A past health history statement refers to medical events or conditions that have occurred in a person's life prior to the present time. It encompasses previous diagnoses, surgeries, or health issues that may not be current but can provide valuable context for a person’s overall health status.

The statement about undergoing an appendectomy 3 years ago clearly indicates a surgical procedure that took place in the past, making it a relevant part of the individual's health history. This information can be significant for healthcare providers as it may impact current medical decisions and the understanding of the patient's health trajectory.

In contrast, the other options relate either to current issues or family health history. Statements about stress at work and a recent cough are indicative of current experiences rather than previous health events. The mention of a family member's hypertension provides useful genetic or familial context, but it does not pertain directly to the individual's past health history, as it is not a personal experience.