We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A Bibliometric Review and Knowledge Mapping of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Cardiovascular Research
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists are increasingly finding tiny plastic particles (microplastics and nanoplastics) in human blood and heart tissue, and this study reviewed the growing body of research—not new experiments—to map out what scientists have learned so far and where the field is headed. The research is shifting from basic lab studies toward investigating real-world health effects, like inflammation and links to heart disease, but scientists still need larger, long-term human studies to confirm whether these plastics actually cause cardiovascular problems. In short: the concern is real enough that research is ramping up fast, but we don't yet have definitive proof of harm—just growing scient
Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) have been detected in human blood and cardiovascular tissues, raising concerns about their potential role in cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the overall research landscape-including knowledge structure, collaboration networks, and evolving trends-remains poorly characterized. This study aims to map the field using bibliometric analysis. Publications from 2017 to 2025 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Bibliometric analyses (publication trends, country/institution collaboration networks, keyword co-occurrence and clustering, co-citation networks, and burst detection) were performed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Scimago Graphica. A total of 390 publications were analyzed. Annual publication output has grown exponentially since 2022. China, the United States, and Italy are the core contributing countries. Research hotspots center on inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and pollutant exposure. The frontier has shifted from fundamental toxicology toward nanoplastics and specific polymers (e.g., polystyrene) in CVD, as well as their association with clinical outcomes. Emerging foci include cardio-renal comorbidity. To our knowledge, this is the first bibliometric study to systematically map the MNP-CVD research field. The field is moving from mechanistic exploration toward clinical epidemiological research. Future priorities include interdisciplinary collaboration, standardized detection methods, large-scale prospective cohort studies, and mechanism-based targeted interventions. Bibliometric data reflect publication patterns, not causal evidence.
More Papers Like This
Nano- and Microplastics in the Cardiovascular System: Current Insights and Biological Implications
AI summary Read the abstract
Tiny plastic particles from our environment—so small they can enter through the food we eat, the air we breathe, or even our skin—have been found lodged in heart and blood vessel tissue, and this review pulls together what scientists currently know about the damage they might cause, like inflammation, cell damage, and blood vessel problems that could contribute to heart disease. While researchers haven't yet proven these plastics directly cause heart disease in people, the growing evidence is concerning enough that the authors call for better tools to measure plastic exposure and more research into how to prevent harm. The bottom line: microplastics aren't just an environmental issue
Nanoplastics and Cardiovascular Health: A Review of Environmental Exposure, Biological Mechanisms and GeoHealth Implications
AI summary Read the abstract
This review paper summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles called nanoplastics and heart health. It reports that studies have found plastic particles in human blood, lungs, placenta, blood vessels, heart tissue and arterial plaque, and lab experiments suggest possible ways these particles could affect cells, though causation has not been established.
Microplastics, Nanoplastics, and the Cardiovascular Exposome: Emerging Evidence for Vascular Deposition, Thrombotic Pathways, and Cardiovascular Risk
AI summary Read the abstract
This review pulls together existing studies on tiny plastic particles found in blood vessels and artery plaque, some of which link their presence to higher rates of heart attack, stroke, and death. However, these studies show a connection, not proof that plastics cause these problems. Scientists say more research is needed before doctors should test for plastics or change how they treat heart disease.
Microplastic and Nanoplastic Contamination as a Novel Cardiovascular Risk Factor: A Narrative Review of Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Public Health Consequences
AI summary Read the abstract
This review pulls together existing research on tiny plastic particles found in our blood, organs, and even artery plaque. One study found people with these plastics in their artery plaque had a much higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death. Scientists think the plastics may cause harmful inflammation and cell damage, though more research is needed to confirm this causes heart disease.
Microplastics and nanoplastics: emerging threats to cardiovascular health – a comprehensive review
AI summary Read the abstract
This comprehensive review examines the emerging evidence linking microplastic and nanoplastic exposure to cardiovascular health problems. The evidence suggests that plastic particles may contribute to heart and blood vessel disease, though more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects. The review highlights the urgent need for further studies on how chronic exposure to these tiny particles affects the cardiovascular system.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.