Test results show Chopin's heart in good shape

The heart of Polish composer Frederic Chopin, which was buried in the Holy Cross Church in Warsaw, is in good condition, confirmed scientists on Wednesday.

The scientists, who had done the first non-invasive inspection to the heart, told a press conference that the tests were carried out in April due to suspected damage to the buried heart.

According to the scientists, the state of preservation, the type of the thread, used after the autopsy made in Paris and the type of vessel were all compatible with the description and are sure to date back to Chopin's times.

The shape of the heart and its conservation were both in very good condition, scientists said.

Tadeusz Dobosz, professor from the Forensic Medicine Department of Medical Academy in Wroclaw, underlined that examinations helped people to get to know more about Chopin himself.

He said, among others, the examinations confirmed that the direct cause of his death was tuberculosis, which was proved by visible anatomical changes within the heart.

The color of the liquid in which the heart was preserved made scientists presume the liquid used is cognac.

Chopin died on October 17, 1849 in Paris, where his body was buried. His sister brought his heart in an urn back to Warsaw and buried it in the Holy Cross Church, the parish of Chopin's family. Endit