Microplastics, tiny plastic fragments that infiltrate human tissues, have been detected in arterial plaques, raising significant concerns about cardiovascular health. A groundbreaking study published in The New England Journal of Medicine explores the association between microplastics in fat-clogged arteries and increased risks of stroke, heart attacks, and death.
Led by Dr. Raffaele Marfella from the University of Campania, Naples, the study analyzed fatty deposits removed from 257 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, a surgical procedure to reduce stroke risk. Key findings include:
Microplastics Presence: Nearly 60% of the plaques contained polyethylene, commonly found in plastic bags and bottles. Additionally, 12% contained polyvinyl chloride (PVC), used in pipes, flooring, and packaging.
- Health Outcomes: Patients with microplastics in their plaques were 4.5 times more likely to suffer a stroke, non-fatal heart attack, or death within 34 months compared to those without detectable microplastics.
- Inflammation Link: Higher levels of inflammatory markers were observed in plaques containing microplastics, with jagged plastic fragments found inside immune cells called macrophages.
How Microplastics Could Affect Heart Health
Microplastics may contribute to cardiovascular disease through:
- Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: Lab studies on heart cells and animal models suggest microplastics can impair heart function, alter heart rate, and cause scarring.
- Occupational Exposure Evidence: Workers exposed to plastics-related pollution, particularly PVC, show higher cardiovascular risks, echoing these findings.
The study utilized advanced techniques like pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to measure microplastic content and stable isotope analysis to confirm their petrochemical origins.
Caution: Association, Not Causation
While the study identifies a strong association between microplastics and adverse cardiovascular outcomes, it does not establish causation. Other risk factors, such as smoking, air pollution, and lifestyle habits, were not accounted for.
Philip J. Landrigan, a public health expert from Boston College, emphasized the need for further research to understand these findings, stating,
“The discovery of microplastics in plaque tissue is a breakthrough that raises urgent questions about exposure and health risks.”
The Bigger Picture
The proliferation of plastic production, much of it unrecycled, has led to microplastics infiltrating human bodies, including major organs and the bloodstream. Despite cardiovascular disease rates declining in some regions, the potential role of microplastics in heart health is a growing area of concern.
This study underscores the importance of reducing plastic exposure and highlights the urgent need for more research to fully understand the health implications of microplastics.