Introduction
Progress within the 20th century alone has produced an immense amount of literature and understanding in anatomy, medicinal health and the correlation between the two. Our comprehension of the two however, would not be possible without the important discoveriesand critical observations of our predecessors such as the “Father of Medicine” Hippocrates (463–370 BC), the “Father of Modern Anatomy” Andreas Vesalius (1514–1564), and Abu Ali al-Husain ibn Abdallah ibn Sina (Avicenna) [1] and [2]. While the contributions of Galen and Hippocrates are well known, contributions to medicine by numerous religious texts including the Hindu Vedas, Judeo–Christian Bible and Talmud, and the Islamic Qur'an and Hadeeth (prophetic sayings of Mohammad) are often omitted from the literature. Found within the Qur'an and Hadeeth are accurate descriptions of anatomical structures, surgical procedures, physiological characteristics and medical remedies. In particular, prophylaxis of general diseases is emphasized by encouraging physical activity, herbal and organic remedies, and spiritual revitalization. Notably, within these two texts, is the emphasis on the heart and blood as both a vehicle for life and as an organ central to affecting emotion and attitude. Furthermore, the lifestyle prescribed by these Islamic traditions promotes longevity of life, prevention of cardiovascular diseases,
and discourages risk factors associated with such diseases . Therefore, it is evident that the authors of the texts had a good understanding of both the etiology and pathology of many diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system.
Although there is a considerableamount of information in the Qur'an and Hadeeth about general medicine and anatomy, there is a lack of reliable and critical research. Hence, the purpose of this review is to accurately present the anatomical and medical contributions of the Qur'an and Hadeeth, with specific focus on the cardiovascular system.