Coronary disease in the past. An attempt at evaluating the dissertation by Jan Cenner "De angore pectoris" (1820) in the context of contemporary knowledge

Abstract: Following an abbreviated historical review of literature related to angina pectoris spanning the period from olden days to the beginning of the XIXth century, this paper analyses Jan Cenner's doctoral dissertation entitled "Dissertatio inauguralis medica de angore pectoris", written in Cracow, Poland in 1820. A conciliation of the information regarding coronary artery disease with the current state of medical understanding is made in a tabular form and an attempt at an assessment of treatment rules (including prevention, general non-specific therapy, local treatment, dietary management and the use of pharmacological agents) according to updated medical criteria follows. The authors' goal is an objective evaluation of the real scientific value of Cenner's work in light of nearly two centuries of progress in medical knowledge. Emphasis is placed on those diagnostic findings and therapeutic paths relating to coronary artery disease that are currently used in medical practice.