Abstract

MARTINEZ-LAVIN, Manuel. Chaos, complexity and cardiology. Arch. Cardiol. Méx. [online]. 2012, vol.82, n.1, pp. 54-58. ISSN 1405-9940.

Science is an ever-changing discipline. Modern medical knowledge is based on science. Current medical paradigm is both linear and reductionist. There is a new general theory validated by computer’s calculations named chaos and complexity theory. This new paradigm will probably have an impact on medical practice. Cardiovascular physiology may display fractal and/ or chaotic behavior. Computerized heart rhythm analyses enhanced our understanding of complex diseases otherwise not explainable by current linear-reductionist paradigms. Cases in point are diverse dysautonomia including orthostatic intolerance, cardiac X syndrome and fibromyalgia. Derived from this, new knowledge is a different diagnostic and therapeutic stance: scientific holism.

Keywords : Chaos; Complexity; Autonomic nervous system; Fibromyalgia; Complex adaptive systems; Mexico.