It seems that CAT scan analysis of the remains of people preserved as mummies from as long ago as 3500 years shows evidence of serious heart disease – in both males and females. Ancient people clearly suffered from atherosclerosis, the thickening and eventual blocking of blood vessels with calcium, cholesterol, fat and other substances. So the idea that heart disease is exclusively an affliction of modern man is bogus.
What does stand out though is that people with the means to be mummified tended to be wealthy and probably sedentary and overfed. So although heart disease is clearly part of the human condition regular exercise and a healthy diet can help us avoid its ravages. Old Pharaoh should have spent more time at the gym or building pyramids and less time sitting on the throne on his royal behind eating camel pate.
