168 years after the premature death of the great composer Frédéric Chopin, scientists have finally discovered what caused his untimely passing at the age of 39. Through a study of Chopin’s preserved heart, researchers have determined that he suffered from pericarditis, a rare complication of tuberculosis. This finding sheds new light on the health struggles that plagued Chopin throughout his short life and adds to the legacy of one of the most influential composers in history.
