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Calcified structures associated with human skeletal remains: Possible atherosclerosis affecting the population buried

M Binder1, C A Roberts1

  • 1Department of Archaeology, Durham University, South Road, DH1 3LE Durham, UK.

International Journal of Paleopathology
|March 15, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Atherosclerosis, a major cause of cardiovascular disease, affected ancient populations. Researchers found calcified arterial plaques in 3000-year-old Sudanese burials, providing unique bioarchaeological evidence of this disease in the past.

Area of Science:

  • Bioarchaeology
  • Paleopathology
  • Cardiovascular Science

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading global cause of death.
  • Atherosclerosis, a key contributor to CVDs, is often linked to modern lifestyle factors.
  • The historical epidemiology of atherosclerosis remains largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and morphology of atherosclerosis in ancient human skeletal remains.
  • To provide direct bioarchaeological evidence of atherosclerosis in past populations.
  • To analyze calcified arterial plaques from Sudanese burials.

Main Methods:

  • Examination of five calcified vascular samples from burials at Amara West, Sudan (1300-800BC).
  • Morphological analysis, anatomical location assessment, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and radiography.
  • Review of potential alternative causes for arterial calcification.

Main Results:

  • Five probable cases of calcified arterial plaques were identified.
  • Calcifications were found in the chest, abdominal areas, and alongside the femur.
  • SEM and radiography supported the identification of these as arterial plaques.

Conclusions:

  • The findings provide unique bioarchaeological evidence of atherosclerosis.
  • Atherosclerosis has affected human populations for at least 3000 years.
  • This study expands our understanding of the ancient history of cardiovascular disease.

Keywords:
Calcified blood vesselsCardiovascular diseasesNew Kingdom periodSudan

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