Sir,
The scholarly paper on ‘History of cardiology in India’ is a revealing account of how cardiology developed in India over a period of some 70 years with valuable information on ‘Indian Heritage of Cardiovascular Sciences’.1 Few points need worth mentioning. It is correct that out of four Vedas, namely Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda, and Atharwaveda, Ayurveda owes its origin mostly to Atharwaveda.2 However, there is a bit of spelling mix-up in the text; Rigveda has been spelt as Rik, Samveda as Sham, and Yajurveda as Yadu. Further, Sushruta, though primarily a surgeon, was the first to give the concept of atherosclerosis, diabetes, and angina and the role of exercise in prevention of diabetes to the world. How revealing it is that such a concept was laid in 5000 BC.3
Most importantly, the evolution of ‘Preventive Cardiology’ during last 50 years deserved a special mention in this paper.4 We are well aware that India is currently passing through the pandemic of coronary artery disease, hypertension stroke, diabetes, and stroke. Steps to prevent and reverse this trend were conceived by Dr. Padmavati, Dr. KS Mathur and several others including the writer of this communication during these years.4, 5 We now have a exclusive editorial section related to preventive cardiology in Indian Heart Journal in order to strengthen the academic and professional aspects of this much needed sub-specialty. Last but not the least, the increasing trend of incorporating translational research in cardiology practice about herbal drugs like Terminalia arjuna (arjuna), Eugenia jumbolana (jamun), Curcuma domestica (Turmeric), Allium sativam (Garlic), Commiphora mukul (gum guggal), etc.6 These herbs though currently advocated their exact role and overall cost benefit ratio is yet to be explored and defined.
Conflicts of interest
The author has none to declare.
References
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