He struggled with intestinal disease throughout his life, including dropsy and cirrhosis of the liver, which led to the composer's death. However, the latest research shows that the main cause of the composer's poor health and, as a result, death, was the lead treatment conducted by his doctor, Andreas Wawruch (he used compresses containing lead). Leads were also influenced by vessels used by Beethoven, as well as medicinal waters containing lead.
Ludwig van Beethoven died on March 26, 1827, at the age of 56.
