Archaeologist have discovered five heart-shaped urns made of lead which each contains an embalmed human heart in the foundation of a medieval convent in the French city of Rennes. Researchers used modern technology to study these old hearts, which have been buried for four centuries. It turns out three of them bore tell-tale signs of heart disease that are common today.

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Anthropologist Rozenn Colleter of the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research said on Wednesday, "Each heart is different and revealed its share of surprises. Four of these hearts are very well preserved. It is very uncommon in archaeology to work on organic materials. The prospects are very interesting."

According to Reuters, three others showed indications of the disease atherosclerosis, with plaque in the coronary arteries, and the other one heart appeared healthy, with no evidence of disease. The fifth one was poorly preserved. Based on studies, the earliest of the urns was dated on 1584 and the latest was dated on 1655.

The important aspect of the study was the discovery that hundreds years ago, people had atherosclerosis, according to Mokrane.

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium and other substances develop inside the arteries. Over time, Plaque hardens over and narrows the arteries. This disease triggers heart attacks and strokes.

Based on the Science Daily News, during the excavation, archeologists and the research team discovered that one of the hearts belonged to a male who was later identified by an inscription as Toussaint Perrien, Knight of Brefeillac. He was removed upon his death and later buried with his wife, Louise de Quengo, Lady of Brefeillac. Her preserved body was found at the same site.

Dr. Mokrane said "During the time, it was commonly practice that the heart of a husband or wife is to be buried. This was examined in one of the hearts that was discovered. It's a part of romantic aspect in their belief in burials."

TagsHeart disease, Science, anthropology, burial, discovery, french, New Discovery, medicine