A disease present for millennia: atherosclerosis found in mummies

The cardiovascular problems have never been foreign to human history. With the advancement of medicine, it has become increasingly clear that these diseases are not solely a product of modern times, but have been present since antiquity. People living during the time of the Egyptian pharaohs, who ruled over what is now Egypt, also suffered from the risk of heart attacks and strokes. This discovery sheds new light on the health conditions of the past and serves as a reminder that cardiovascular diseases are not merely associated with modern lifestyles and diets.

Ancient Egyptian Society

The society of ancient Egypt was highly developed, and many people who belonged to the upper social class worked in the pharaoh’s court. Their lifestyle and dietary habits can reveal much about the health problems they faced. Through new research, scientists have been able to reach back in time to uncover the presence of cardiovascular diseases by examining mummies.

Mummies and Cardiovascular Diseases

In research conducted at the Egyptian Museum, scientists examined 20 mummies, of which 16 had their hearts and circulatory systems identified. This investigation is not merely an archaeological curiosity but provides important insights into the health status of ancient people. The analysis revealed that signs of arteriosclerosis were detectable in 9 of the mummies, and in some cases, up to 6 calcified vascular segments were found.

Arteriosclerosis was not exclusive to the pharaohs, as the research found that 7 out of 8 mummies who died over the age of 45 exhibited this form of disease. In contrast, among younger mummies under 45, only 2 out of 8 showed similar signs. This suggests that arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular problems became increasingly common with age.

During the research, scientists not only focused on vascular problems but also determined the causes of the early deaths of the pharaohs by analyzing the bones of the mummies. Through the collaboration of Egyptologists and cardiologists, the names and occupations of most of the mummies were successfully identified.

Foods and Dietary Habits

Although the individual dietary habits could not be precisely determined during the examination of the mummies, research indicates that the diet of ancient Egyptians included a variety of animal-based foods. The consumption of cattle, ducks, and geese was widespread, which may have contributed to the emergence of cardiovascular problems.

Diet is not only important for health, but social status also influenced eating habits. Members of the upper classes generally followed a richer diet, while the lower classes had more limited options.

The researchers emphasized that the risk of arteriosclerosis is not solely due to diet; many other factors also influence cardiovascular health. By considering the lifestyle, activity, and other habits of ancient people, scientists can better understand the development of the disease.

Research Findings

Under the leadership of Gregory Thomas, a cardiology professor at the University of California, the research concluded that examining mummies not only provides information about the health status of the past but also contributes to understanding current cardiovascular diseases. Professor Thomas highlighted that while they cannot ascertain whether arteriosclerosis caused the death of any mummy, the presence of the disease was clearly observable.

This discovery draws attention to the fact that cardiovascular problems do not arise solely from modern lifestyles but have been continuously present throughout history. The findings of the research may contribute to the prevention and treatment of diseases, as they show that past experiences can still be relevant today.

The report on the research was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, emphasizing the importance of scientific knowledge related to cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, studying past experiences is essential for preventing future health problems.