Ancient people also suffered from atherosclerosis

An analysis of ancient mummies by researchers at the University of Texas Medical Science Center shows that ancient people who lived 4,000 years ago in areas now known as northern Chile and the Middle East have The artery is clogged more than we know it.

The researchers said cholesterol was detected in the arteries of three men and two women between the ages of 18 and 60 when they died. Three of them are thought to have died of pneumonia, while one was thought to have died of kidney failure. The last one died of an unspecified cause. Four of them live in South America and one in the Middle East.

Scientists have discovered a long time ago, the ancient people also began to suffer from atherosclerosis.

The study used a imaging technique called near-infrared absorption spectroscopy to detect accumulated cholesterol in the mummy's heart and arteries. Usually, researchers use an imaging technique called computer tomography to scan mummies with blood vessels, organs and bones. However, that technique shows that calcium accumulates not cholesterol in arteries.

'It seems to be a problem for a very long time , ' said Dr. Mohammad Madjid, the lead author of the study.

Madjid and his team were the first to use near-infrared absorption spectroscopy to detect cholesterol in mummies.

A catheter will be placed on the sample and send signals. The signal bounces off the tissue and back. You can tell the difference between different tissue components because each component has a unique molecular 'signature' , like a fingerprint, Madjid said.

Researchers have also studied ancient mummies of different cultures to learn about the origin of atherosclerosis.

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