These are some of the questions you will find discussed, in a very engaging manner, in Sandeep Jauhar’s book Heart: A History. While Jauhar writes of coronary and congenital heart disease, he makes no mention of rheumatic valvular heart disease which still afflicts the poor in developing countries. He thoughtfully reflects on the causes of heart disease and describes how the Framingham heart study identified the major behavioural and biological risk factors that lead to damaged coronary arteries. AdvertisingDespite all the glory attached to cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology, whose thrills we vicariously experience in several chapters, Jauhar concludes that prevention and reversal of heart disease through healthy living is the enduring message from the heart. As India experiences a surge in coronary heart disease, that is a good message to heed.

Source: Indian Express February 08, 2019 20:33 UTC