An Egyptian princess who lived 3500 years ago is thought to be the first known person to have developed heart disease.
Cardiologists who examined her mummified remains say she would have needed a heart bypass if she had been living in modern times.
Scans showed she had extensive blockages in arteries leading to her heart, brain, stomach and legs.
Computerised tomography (CT) scanning showed evidence of heart disease.
Researchers say her case shows heart disease pre-dates a modern lifestyle.
Cardiac researchers from the United States and Al Azhar University in Cairo have analysed the remains of 52 mummies, including those of the princess.
Full-body scans were performed on mummies at the National Museum of Antiquities in Cairo.
A medical conference in Amsterdam has been told that evidence of hardening of the arteries was found in almost half the mummies scanned.
Princess Ahmose-Meryet-Amon was from an illustrious Egyptian family. She lived in what is now Luxor from the year 1580 BC, and died in her 40s.
The researchers say the findings should not detract from the importance of messages about healthy diet and lifestyle.
The BBC reports the team's work is now on hold because of the unrest in Egypt, but they hope to be able to stage further research expeditions if the new government gives them permission.
