title: Golden Ratio and the heart: A review of divine aesthetics.
abstract: In human history, certain mathematical figures or concepts had gained a significant reputation largely due to their occult and esoteric meanings. Among these, Golden Ratio and associated concepts, namely golden proportions, had elicited a tremendous breakthrough in our human awareness and perception regarding mundane and spiritual aspects of physical existence. Golden Ratio or Number (with a numerical value of 1.618) that is also referred to as the Greek letter Phi (φ), has been universally expressed on a line partitioned into two unequal lengths (L, the longer and S, the shorter) in such a manner that L/S=(L+S)/L. Besides, appearing in certain number sequences (Fibonacci Series, etc.), golden proportions, to the consternation of observers, appear to be strikingly prevalent across all levels of physical existence from the innermost structures to the colossal galaxies of the universe potentially labeling these concepts as the measures of divine aesthetics. Accordingly, the human body also serves as an epitome of these mysterious concepts as exemplified by its outward appearance including general stature and extremities along with a variety of inner organ systems. Based on preliminary studies, the human cardiovascular system might also be suggested to serve as a major predilection site of divine aesthetics as measured with Golden Ratio and its allies. This appears to be completely in line with the ancient knowledge associating the human heart with the esoteric and spiritual components of human nature including human soul. Within this context, the present paper primarily aims to discuss human manifestations of divine aesthetics as measured with 'Golden Ratio' and associated indices with a particular and detailed emphasis on their potential link with the human cardiovascular system.
authors.affiliation: Trakya University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Edirne, Turkey.
authors.forename: Kenan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yalta
authors.affiliation: Abant Izzet Baysal University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Bolu, Turkey.
authors.forename: Selcuk
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ozturk
authors.affiliation: Yenisehir Hospital, Division of Cardiology, Mersin, Turkey. Electronic address: ertanyetkin@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Ertan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Yetkin
mesh_terms: D004954:Esthetics; D006321:Heart / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008433:Mathematics; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular
keywords: Cardiovascular system; Divine aesthetics; Fibonacci Series; Golden Angle; Golden Ratio; Golden Spiral; Golden geometric shapes; Golden proportion; Greek letter Phi (φ); Human body; Sahaja Yoga