Writing about the history of cardiology is no simple task. Authors may have biases regarding certain events, described as historic by some and anecdotal by others. Moreover, the sources used may color their narrative.
Upon examining the beginnings of cardiac surgery, it quickly became apparent that there are several anecdotes and claims regarding the very first surgical repair of the heart.
Hands off the heart
It is important to mention that at that time, cardiac surgery was considered an odious practice by the fellowship of surgeons, who believed that “nature has its limits.”
Who is the father of surgery
As for the “father of surgery,” I have personally chosen to start the story with him, although I do not attribute to him the title of “father of cardiac surgery.”
Minimal medical kit
It is also crucial to note that from the 1940s, a cardiologist’s medical kit was limited to a stethoscope, an otoscope, nitroglycerin, and morphine.
The stethoscope celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2017. It was invented by Dr. Laennec in 1817 in a very simplistic form.
Numerous medical advances in my career
I feel privileged to have witnessed and participated, through clinical research, in several improvements in treatments offered in cardiology.
Furthermore, numerous technological developments now aim to improve the quality of life and longevity of patients with heart diseases.
Don’t make noise, he's "cardiac"!
The older among you may remember visits to an “uncle” or “aunt” who was “cardiac.” It seemed impossible to breathe in that house, and it was imperative not to make any noise or move. Today, however, we encourage people to move and resume their physical activities quickly after a cardiac event.
The term “cardiac” is also no longer commonly used, as we have found that those who followed rest instructions after a heart attack had a worse outcome than those who resumed their activities more quickly.
Now it's all about moving
Now, the important thing is to move: Thanks to many clinical studies, exercise-based rehabilitation programs are now available after a coronary event.
These programs improve quality of life, physical condition, self-confidence, and even the survival of patients.
Cholesterol, good for "granola"
Forty years ago, cholesterolCholesterol is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, but it can also have harmful effects if present in excess. >> was a marginal topic. Today, everyone agrees on its importance for cardiovascular health and its impact on survival.
Major developments in heart failure treatment
Clinical studies have significantly improved the quality of life and longevity of patients with heart failure. Many medications have revolutionized treatment, but non-pharmacological therapy is equally crucial, if not more so.
In specific cases, the implantation of defibrillators, these “super pacemakers,” significantly reduces the risk of sudden death.
Explosion of technological resources for coronary angioplasty
Clinical studies have advanced coronary angioplasty, taking it out of the stone age.
Although open-heart surgery still has its place, it is less often necessary due to technological and drug advances. The limits of coronary angioplasty have been widely pushed.
Gains through trial and error
But these advancements have not been without difficulties. Many failures were encountered. However, the perseverance of some eventually paid off. It is often the boldest who initiate the movement and push the limits.
Much remains to be done
Cardiovascular diseases remain the second leading cause of mortality, after cancer. Patient contributions are constantly solicited to advance medicine.
Treating but also preventing
Modern medicine is no longer limited to simply curing diseases but also aims to prevent them by addressing the source of the problem, particularly by modifying our lifestyle habits.
Because in reality, the best form of treatment remains prevention!
Let’s go back and relive the history… the History of cardiology
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