A Quarter-Millenium of Cardiovascular Epidemiology

Abstract

According to George Rosen the roots of Epidemiology lie in the mid 17 th century, although Hippocrates was aware of some of its methods. Cardiovascular Epidemiology can be traced back to the mid 18 th century to the pioneering contribution of William Heberden (who coined the term 'angina pectoris') and John Fothergill. Proudfit in 1983 cited Jenner, Parry, Burns and Black as the originators of the ischaemic theory of angina pectoris. Of these four, Samuel Black's observations displayed a particularly epidemiological bent and he was the first to notice 'the French Paradox'.