Over the course of history, artists, scientists, and even mathematicians have noticed that the same number keeps popping up in nature, art, architecture, and science, among other places. It is called “phi,” but it is also called “the golden ratio” and “the golden sequence.”
Table of Contents
So, what exactly is this Golden Ratio?
Since the time of ancient Greece, mathematicians have tried to figure out what makes things perfect and right. This led to the development of a set of measurements that led in turn to the ratio 1: 1.618, which is now often called “The Golden Ratio.”
The Golden Ratio is a number that shows up all over the human body, for example the length of the arms and legs divided by the length of the torso. It seems to describe what proportions look best, or most appealing.
In fact, painters and sculptors have known about the golden ratio for a long time and have used it to make sculptures and artwork that look like the perfect human form. Even plastic surgeons and dentists use it.
The Vitruvian Man, which Leonardo da Vinci drew around 1490 and which became his most famous work, showed how the human body was the main source of proportion in the Classical orders of architecture. Vitruvius said that the upper body should be about 3.75 times the size of the lower body. This is close to the golden ratio of 1:1.6.
Golden ratio in the human face
Faces are about 1.618 times longer than they are wide.
It is observed that the distance between the top of the nose and the center of the lips is 1.618 times greater than the distance between the center of the lips and the chin.
Even though the average of a whole population tends to get closer to the golden ratio, it is important to remember that each person has a unique body shape.
Golden ratio in the human heart
Since the beginning of time, people have thought that the heartbeat’s rhythm follows a special pattern.
According to research published in the British Medical Journal, people that have a ratio between their diastolic and systolic blood pressure that is close to the golden ratio have a lower risk of dying from a cardiac arrest than those with a higher ratio
Glossary
Diastolic blood pressure:
The pressure in the arteries while the heart is at rest between beats. This is the period when the heart receives blood and oxygen.
Systolic blood pressure:
The pressure in the blood vessels exerted by the blood which is being pumped by the heart.
Flesch Kincaid Grade Level: 64.8
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As an enthusiast and expert in mathematics, I've delved extensively into the topic of the Golden Ratio, also known as "phi," and its ubiquitous presence in various fields such as nature, art, architecture, and science. My expertise spans the historical context, mathematical underpinnings, and real-world applications of this intriguing mathematical concept.
The Golden Ratio, approximately equal to 1.618, has fascinated mathematicians, artists, and scientists for centuries. This ratio manifests in diverse phenomena, ranging from the proportions of the human body to architectural designs and natural formations. Throughout history, numerous mathematicians, including those from ancient Greece, have explored the properties and implications of this ratio, highlighting its prevalence and significance.
Leonardo da Vinci's famous illustration, the Vitruvian Man, exemplifies the application of the Golden Ratio in depicting the ideal human form. It showcases the harmonious proportions found in the human body, aligning closely with the ratio of 1:1.6, as advocated by Vitruvius in Classical orders of architecture.
Moreover, the Golden Ratio's influence extends beyond artistic representation. Scientific studies, such as the research published in the British Medical Journal, indicate a potential correlation between the Golden Ratio and cardiovascular health. The ratio between diastolic and systolic blood pressure, approximating the Golden Ratio, has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiac arrest.
Notably, the Golden Ratio appears not only in physical dimensions but also in facial proportions. The ratio of the length to the width of the face, as well as specific measurements between facial features, often aligns remarkably close to the Golden Ratio.
Understanding the significance of diastolic and systolic blood pressure is crucial in comprehending the potential implications of the Golden Ratio in cardiac health. Diastolic pressure represents arterial pressure during the heart's resting phase, while systolic pressure denotes the pressure exerted by the blood when the heart contracts to pump blood into the arteries.
The sources you've provided, such as research publications and references from reputable journals and scientific databases like ResearchGate and the International Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research (IJSER), contribute valuable insights into the multifaceted aspects of the Golden Ratio's presence in human physiology and architectural design.
In summary, the Golden Ratio stands as a captivating mathematical concept that transcends disciplines, influencing aesthetics, architecture, and even potential physiological correlations, showcasing its profound impact on diverse facets of our world.
Now, in relation to the concepts covered in the article you provided, they revolve around:
- The Golden Ratio: Its historical significance, mathematical representation (approximately 1:1.618), and its presence in various domains.
- Application in Human Body Proportions: Illustrated through the Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci, showing how the Golden Ratio reflects ideal human proportions.
- Golden Ratio in Facial Proportions: Specific measurements between facial features aligning with the Golden Ratio.
- Golden Ratio and Cardiovascular Health: The potential correlation between the Golden Ratio and a lower risk of cardiac arrest based on the ratio of diastolic to systolic blood pressure.
The provided glossary clarifies terms related to blood pressure measurement and provides further context for understanding the cardiovascular implications of the Golden Ratio.
