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Micro- and nanoplastic as new modifiable cardiovascular risk factors
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Tiny plastic particles from everyday pollution, called microplastics and nanoplastics, may be quietly harming your heart, according to this review that pulls together over a decade of research. Scientists found these particles can disrupt cholesterol processing, make blood more likely to clot, and directly damage heart cells, partly by causing inflammation and stress inside cells. While more research is needed to fully understand the risks, this adds plastic pollution to the growing list of factors, alongside diet and exercise, that may affect your cardiovascular health.
Environmental pollution by microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) is becoming a global problem. Accumulated evidence indicates the potential adverse effect of these particles on the cardiovascular system. Objective. To summarize current data on the mechanisms of impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on the cardiovascular system, their role in the development of atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and myocardial injury, and to discuss potential therapeutic strategies. Materials and methods. An analysis of foreign and domestic (Russian) publications in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and eLibrary databases for 2014—2025 was performed using the following keywords: microplastics, nanoplastics, cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, cardiomyocytes, inflammation. Results. The review systematizes data on three main types of cardiotoxic effects of MNPs: lipid metabolism and atherogenesis disorders, hemostatic system dysfunction with increased thrombogenic risk, and direct damage to cardiomyocytes. The role of oxidative stress, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy disorders is shown. The influence of MNPs as carriers of toxicants (bisphenol A, heavy metals) is considered separately. Conclusion. Accumulated evidence indicates that microplastics and nanoplastics are a new risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Further research is needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms and develop prevention and treatment strategies.
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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.
Micro- and nanoplastics: A new cardiovascular risk factor?
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This review examines the growing evidence that micro- and nanoplastics may pose risks to the heart and blood vessels. Studies in animals and cell cultures show that these tiny plastic particles can enter the bloodstream, trigger inflammation, promote blood clotting, and damage blood vessel walls. While human data is still limited, the review suggests that micro- and nanoplastic exposure should be considered a potential new risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
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.
Microplastics in atherosclerosis could exacerbate the cardiovascular risk: A systematic review
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Tiny plastic particles called microplastics — which we're exposed to through food, water, and air — may be building up in the fatty deposits that clog our arteries, potentially making heart disease worse. This review pulls together existing research on the topic and suggests these plastic bits could be an overlooked risk factor for heart attacks and strokes, though scientists are still working out exactly how much harm they cause. If confirmed, this means reducing plastic exposure in daily life could become an important part of protecting heart health.
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.
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