A historical perspective towards a non-invasive treatment for patients with atherosclerosis

Abstract

The history of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease dates back to ancient times. From the teachings of Galen to the response-to-injury hypothesis of Russel Ross, we have now arrived at the concept of the vulnerable plaque. Next to the development of new treatment options for patients with atherosclerosis, also novel diagnostic imaging techniques have been developed to visualise the arterial wall and to characterise plaque composition. In this article the historical context of atherosclerosis and the attempts towards a noninvasive therapy for patients with atherosclerotic diseases are described. (Neth Heart J 2009;17: 140-5.)

Paleopathology in the Piraino mummies as illustrated by X-rays

“…It is characterized by accumulation of cholesterol, infiltration of macrophages, proliferation of smooth muscle cells, and accumulation of connective tissue components within the intima of medium-and large-sized blood vessels, which eventually form an occlusion that can result in coronary heart and cerebrovascular disease (Singh et al, 2002;Falk, 2006;Slijkhuis et al, 2009). In recent studies, this condition has been the subject of investigation in mummified remains.…”

Targeting Atherosclerotic Plaque in Avicenna’s View

“…Cardiovascular issues are widely discussed in the third volume of "al-Qānūn fī al-Tibb" (the Canon of Medicine), "Kitab al-Adviyat al-Qalbiye" (The book on drugs for cardiovascular diseases) and "Resaley-e-Ragshenasi" (treatise on Pulsology) by Ibn Sina [24]. Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1519 AD) is said to be one of the first who described atherosclerosis and after that Caleb Hillier Parry (1755-1822 AD) during his studies discovered a plasterlike substance in arteries nevertheless, obstructive diseases have been important issues for Persian scholars for hundred years ago [26]. One of the well-known diseases in Avicenna's books (980-1037 AD), is atherosclerosis which, has been described with his scientific language as obstruction of vessels [27].…”

Coronary heart disease: From mummies to 21st century

“…Among the first to describe atherosclerosis was Leonardo da Vinci, who reportedly stated that “vessels in the elderly restrict the transit of blood through thickening of the tunics.”[ 9 ] Leonardo was not a physician, but he was a great artist and leading intellectual of the Italian Renaissance; he is known as the embodiment of a “Renaissance man.” He believed that studying science made him a better artist. He is renowned for painting the Mona Lisa.…”