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Atherosclerosis in ancient Egyptian mummies: the Horus study
Adel H Allam1, Randall C Thompson, L Samuel Wann
1Al Azhar Medical School, Cairo, Egypt.
JACC. Cardiovascular Imaging
|April 7, 2011
Summary
Ancient Egyptians suffered from atherosclerosis, a common arterial disease. This study found widespread arterial calcification in mummies, indicating it is not solely a modern condition.
Area of Science:
- Paleopathology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Medical History
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a growing global health concern, often linked to modern lifestyles.
- It was previously assumed that atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease primarily affected modern societies.
Observation:
- Computed tomography scans of 52 ancient Egyptian mummies revealed arterial calcifications.
- Cardiovascular structures were identifiable in 44 mummies, with 20 showing signs of atherosclerosis.
Findings:
- Atherosclerosis was prevalent across various arteries, including the aorta, coronary, and carotid arteries.
- Mummies with atherosclerosis were significantly older at death (mean age 45.1 years) compared to those without (mean age 34.5 years).
- The earliest documented case of coronary atherosclerosis was found in a mummy from 1550-1580 BCE.
Implications:
- Atherosclerosis is not exclusively a disease of modern civilization.
- This research provides insights into the long-term prevalence of cardiovascular disease throughout human history.
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