Why might cardiovascular disease not be so modern?

THAT'S THE WHY:It's easy to think of cardiovascular disease as a "new" problem – and indeed it's one of the leading causes of death in the world today.

But analysis of humans who lived thousands of years ago suggest that issues with the vascular system have been around for a while.

Just last week, researchers published details of genetic clues from the Tyrolean Iceman or Ötzi, a mummy found in the Alps. The hunter lived about 5,300 years ago and was well preserved in glacial conditions after his death.

Ötzi has been the subject of extensive scientific study, and the new report in Nature Communications found some interesting information in his DNA.

“His genetic predisposition shows an increased risk for coronary heart disease and may have contributed to the development of previously reported vascular calcifications,” write the authors.

Meanwhile, research using modern imaging techniques on mummies from ancient Egypt has shown up signs of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, in the remains.

A study published last year found that out of 44 mummies with identifiable cardiovascular structures, 20 bore signs of definite or probable atherosclerosis.

“Definite or probable atherosclerosis was present in mummies who lived during virtually every era of ancient Egypt represented in this study, a time span of more than 2,000 years,” write the researchers in JACC Cardiovascular Imaging.

It’s speculated that while the ancient Egyptians may have eaten rich foods, inflammation from infections may also have been a factor in the damage to blood vessels.