Atatürk's (1881-1938) Heart Disease: A Qualitative Research

This study aims to examine Atatürk's heart disease through historical documents and evaluate it in the context of the medical capabilities of the time and current cardiology knowledge. The symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of his condition, along with physicians' practices, were retrospectively analyzed.

Qualitative research methods (document analysis and case study) were employed. Primary sources such as memoirs, newspapers from the period, and official records related to Atatürk's health were examined. The data were thematically analyzed and interpreted by comparing the medical understanding of the era with contemporary cardiology guidelines.

Atatürk experienced 2 cardiac episodes in 1923 and 1927, both characterized by chest pain radiating to the left arm. Due to limited scientific knowledge and the absence of modern diagnostic tools (e.g., ECG, cardiac troponin, echocardiography, angiography), diagnosis was based solely on clinical observation and physical examination. His diagnosis was labeled Angine de Poitrine (angina pectoris), reflecting the terminology of the period. However, in light of current medical knowledge, these episodes can be reinterpreted as acute coronary syndrome (either unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction).

This study is one of the first systematic evaluations of Atatürk's heart disease from both historical and cardiological perspectives. It also highlights the evolution of diagnostic and treatment methods in cardiology and underscores the value of historical research in understanding the progression of medical knowledge.