A new study published in the European Heart Journal has found that people who suffered heart attacks were significantly more likely to have microplastics and nanoplastics in the blood flowing through their coronary arteries, adding to growing evidence that plastic exposure may be linked to cardiovascular disease.
Researchers analysed blood samples from 61 patients undergoing coronary examinations, including individuals receiving emergency treatment for heart attacks, patients with chronic coronary artery disease and people with normal coronary arteries.
The study found that 84% of heart attack patients had detectable plastic particles in their coronary blood, compared with 40% of patients with chronic coronary disease and 32% of those with healthy arteries. Heart attack patients also had higher concentrations and a greater variety of plastic particles, with the highest levels detected at the site of the arterial blockage.
Researchers also observed elevated inflammatory markers in patients with higher plastic levels suggesting a possible link between microplastics, inflammation and cardiovascular disease.
The findings build on a 2024 study that detected microplastics in arterial plaques and found that patients with plastic containing plaques faced a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes and death during follow up.
The study further identified smoking and exposure to higher levels of air pollution as significant factors associated with the presence of microplastics in the bloodstream. All patients who both smoked and lived in highly polluted areas had detectable plastic particles, compared with only a small proportion of those without these exposures.
While researchers say the study strengthens evidence of an association between microplastic exposure and heart disease, they emphasised that it does not establish a direct cause and effect relationship. They called for larger studies to better understand how plastic particles enter the body, contribute to inflammation and affect cardiovascular health.
Experts said reducing exposure to plastic pollution, alongside managing established risk factors such as high cholesterol, hypertension and smoking, may become increasingly important as research into the health effects of microplastics continues.