Evolution of the fabric of cardiovascular science: Saga of an enduring process of refinement

Abstract

BackgroundThe core elements of cardiovascular science have been established by scholarly pursuits of numerous scientists across centuries. In this article, we have tried to trace the evolutionary journey of cardiovascular science from a rudimentary form in ancient period to a robust scientific discipline in modern times. MethodsA literature search of relevant, peer-reviewed, published articles was undertaken from indexed databases (Medline & Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science and Google Scholar). ResultsCardiovascular science has its roots in antiquity, when Greek scholars mostly relied on philosophical thoughts and ancient texts. This was followed by addition of few structural details to the theory of circulation by Galen based on animal dissection. Arab scholar Ibn al–Nafis provided new insights regarding circulation pathway in humans. Nevertheless, an erroneous concept prevailed into the onset of European Renaissance. Even with legalization of human dissection, little headway could be made till sixteenth century due to persistent reliance of anatomists on ancient Galenic principles. During seventeenth century, the circulatory pathway (as we know it today) was established due to significant contributions from scholars like Harvey and Malpighi. Their efforts were based on findings from experiments and logical conclusions. Eighteenth century witnessed the emergence of autopsy based methods which led to valuable contributions from Vieussens, Thebesius, Morgagni and Hunter regarding normal and pathologic anatomy of cardiovascular system. With structural details mostly established, researchers during nineteenth century focussed on innovations in diagnostic methods based on human experiments. Further development of advanced human experiment models during twentieth century led to emergence of contemporary treatment methods for various cardiac conditions. In the twenty-first century, cardiovascular science is undergoing comprehensive progress at an exponential rate due to technological advances. ConclusionThe evolutionary journey of cardiovascular science as a discipline across centuries has been intriguing and eventful.