Sir james mackenzie biography sample

In his early studies Mackenzie used Riva-Rocci 's sphygmograph to graphically record the pulse. Later Mackenzie devised a " polygraph ," that allowed him to make simultaneous records of the arterial and venous pulses. He used this to evaluate the condition of the heart and to measure the AV interval. In he discovered premature ventricular contractions and use of the polygraph enabled Mackenzie to make original distinctions between harmless and dangerous types of pulse irregularities arrhythmias.

Sir james mackenzie biography sample

Mackenzie also demonstrated the efficacy of Digitalis in the treatment of arrhythmias and made important contributions to the study of the energetics of the heart muscle. In November Mackenzie left Burnley for London and set up as a consulting physician where his reputation grew rapidly. In he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society and was knighted.

Three years later he founded the influential Mackenzie Institute of Clinical Research in St Andrews, which involved local General Practitioners in detailed long-term recording of patients' symptoms and illnesses. Ironically Mackenzie himself suffered from an irregular heart beat, as a result of ischemic heart disease. He had his first heart attack inand recorded in himself the atrial fibrillation that accompanied this episode.

By Mackenzie experienced frequent episodes of angina pectoris which he mentioned to Sir Thomas Lewis and in he had a severe episode of cardiac pain, probably due to a myocardial infarction. His angina continued after and became progressively worse until in January he had a prolonged and severe attack of angina and died at around 4am on 26 January Before his death Mackenzie had asked that his friend John Parkinson perform an autopsy after his death.

This was done and showed extensive coronary artery disease and evidence of recent and old myocardial infarction. There he established an institute to study the early causes of disease, anticipating the Framingham study by almost half a century. In the doctor himself developed the disease he had been studying and treating. It began with a two-hour episode of atrial fibrillation and chest pain that may have been his first myocardial infraction.

Over the years this was followed by angina attacks of increasing severity, on exertion or at rest, and gradual reduction of exercise tolerance. He died in following several attacks of severe pain. Postmortem examination of the heart, carried out at his express request by Sir John Patterson, showed areas of infarction, much coronary artery arteriosclerosis, calcification, and narrowing or occlusion.

The changes seemed more severe in the right coronary artery. Modern arterioplasty techniques would no doubt have rendered him pain-free in his 17 years of angina. Perhaps he might even have lived longer. Highlighted in Frontispiece Volume 5, Issue 2 — Spring Your email address will not be published. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

InMackenzie discovered ventricular extrasystole, and he also drew attention to the heart's ability to work, laying the foundation for the study of cardiac muscle energy. InJames married Frances Jackson, and the couple spent their honeymoon in Italy. They had two daughters, Dorothy, born inand Jean, born in In NovemberMackenzie relocated from Burnley to London, where he quickly gained recognition throughout the capital.

Through his research, he distinguished between harmless and potentially dangerous rhythm disturbances. He also proved the effectiveness of digitalis in treating arrhythmia. Varied interests including acute medicine and clinical oncology. Emergency physician, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. Passion for rugby; medical history; medical education; and asynchronous learning FOAMed evangelist.