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 Now, roughly four centuries after they were buried, researchers
have used modern science to study these old hearts. It turns out
three of them bore tell-tale signs of a heart disease very common
today.
"Every heart was different and revealed its share of surprises,"
anthropologist Rozenn Colleter of the French National Institute for
Preventive Archaeological Research said on Wednesday.
"Four of these hearts are very well preserved. It is very rare in
archaeology to work on organic materials. The prospects are very
exciting."
One heart appeared healthy, with no evidence of disease. Three
others showed indications of disease, atherosclerosis, with plaque
in the coronary arteries. The fifth was poorly preserved.
 "Only one heart belonged to a women, and was totally degraded,
permitting no study," said radiologist Dr. Fatima-Zohra Mokrane of
Rangueil Hospital at the University Hospital of Toulouse.
One of hearts belonged to a nobleman identified by an inscription on
the urn as Toussaint Perrien, Knight of Brefeillac, who died in
1649.
His heart had been removed upon his death and was later buried with
his wife, Louise de Quengo, Lady of Brefeillac, who died in 1656.
Her wonderfully preserved body was found in a coffin at the site,
still wearing a cape, wool dress, bonnet and leather shoes with cork
soles.
The earliest of the urns was dated 1584. The latest was dated 1655.
Mokrane said an important aspect of the study was the finding that
people hundreds of years ago had atherosclerosis.
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It is a disease in which plaque made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium
and other substances builds up inside the arteries. Plaque hardens
over time and narrows the arteries. Atherosclerosis can trigger
heart attacks and strokes.
"Atherosclerosis is not only a recent pathology, because it was
found in different hearts studied," Mokrane said.
The researchers cleaned each of the hearts, removed the embalming
material and examined them with MRI imaging, CT scans and other
methods.
Archaeologists excavated the Jacobins convent in Rennes from 2011 to
2013. It was constructed in 1369 and became an important pilgrimage
and burial site from the 15th to 17th centuries. About 800 graves
were found, Colleter said.
The research was presented at a meeting of the Radiological Society
of North America in Chicago.
(Reporting by Will Dunham; Editing by Sandra Maler)
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