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Nano- and Microplastics in the Cardiovascular System: Current Insights and Biological Implications
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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
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants recognized as emerging and relevant risk factors for numerous human diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. MNPs enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal penetration, and their toxicity varies according to size, shape, and chemical composition, most notably between microplastics (>1 µm) and nanoplastics (<1 µm), which differ in cellular uptake mechanisms and biodistribution. Recent evidence has confirmed their presence in cardiac and vascular tissues, raising significant concerns about their potential impact on human health. This review summarizes current knowledge on MNP exposure sources, physicochemical properties, and systemic bioavailability, with a particular emphasis on the mechanisms of transport that facilitate their deposition within the myocardium and vasculature. It further addresses a broad spectrum of cardiotoxic effects, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial injury, immune activation, ion channel disruption, cell death, and fibrosis. Endothelial dysfunction, vascular injury, and pro-atherogenic activity are also discussed. In addition to outlining existing detection techniques and emerging in vitro models, the review highlights initial steps toward the development of preventive strategies. Concluding with key knowledge gaps and future research directions, this article underscores the urgent need for standardized measurement tools, deeper insights into damage mechanisms, and clinical interventions to prevent MNP-induced cardiovascular diseases.
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Emerging cardiovascular risks of micro- and nanoplastics: toxic effects and mechanistic pathways
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Tiny plastic particles called micro- and nanoplastics are getting into our bodies through food, air, and skin contact, and researchers have found them building up in people's hearts and blood vessels. This review of existing studies shows these plastic bits may contribute to heart disease by causing inflammation and damaging cells in the cardiovascular system. While more research is needed, this suggests that plastic pollution isn't just an environmental problem—it could be directly harming our heart health.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Cardiovascular Disease
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This review summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles called microplastics and nanoplastics and their possible links to heart and blood vessel disease. It covers how these particles may enter the bloodstream, studies finding plastic particles in human artery plaques, and possible biological effects like inflammation and blood vessel damage reported in human, animal and lab studies.
Microplastic and Nanoplastic Contamination as a Novel Cardiovascular Risk Factor: A Narrative Review of Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Public Health Consequences
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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.
Micro-and Nano-Plastic Exposure as an Emerging Risk for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
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Tiny plastic particles from our food, water, and even the air we breathe are showing up in human blood and blood vessels—including in the fatty buildup that causes heart attacks and strokes. This review pulls together existing research suggesting these particles may fuel heart disease by triggering inflammation and damaging blood vessels, though scientists haven't yet proven direct cause-and-effect. It's a wake-up call: everyday exposure to plastics, especially through household dust, packaged food, and synthetic textiles, may be a hidden and preventable risk to your heart health.
Nanoplastics and Cardiovascular Health: A Review of Environmental Exposure, Biological Mechanisms and GeoHealth Implications
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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.
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