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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.
Abstract Background. Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), collectively referred to as MNPs, are widespread environmental pollutants detected in numerous human tissues, including blood, placenta, liver, lungs, and brain. Their potential impact on cardiovascular health has recently become an important research focus, particularly given that cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Aim. This narrative review summarises current evidence regarding the presence of MNPs in the human cardiovascular system, their proposed mechanisms of toxicity, and their possible association with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Material and methods. A non-systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for publications from 2018–2025 using terms including “microplastics,” “nanoplastics,” “cardiovascular disease,” “atherosclerosis,” “oxidative stress,” and “endocrine disruption.” Relevant original studies, clinical trials, and reviews were selected based on relevance and methodological quality. Results. MNPs have been identified in atherosclerotic plaques, where their presence was associated with a significantly increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including myocardial infarction, stroke, and all-cause mortality (HR 4.53; 95% CI 2.00–10.27; P < 0.001). Proposed mechanisms include oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, endocrine disruption, and direct cytotoxicity. Experimental studies support these pathways, although causal evidence from human studies remains limited. Conclusions. MNPs may represent an emerging cardiovascular risk factor. Further longitudinal studies, standardised detection methods, and public health policies reducing plastic pollution are urgently required.
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Microplastics and Nanoplastics as a Novel Cardiovascular Risk Factor: A Narrative Review
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This review summarizes research on tiny plastic particles found in human blood vessels, heart tissue, and blood clots. One study found plaques containing these particles were linked to a higher rate of heart attacks, strokes, and death, and lab studies suggest possible links to inflammation and cell damage.
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This review examines growing evidence that micro- and nanoplastics may contribute to cardiovascular health risks, with researchers having found these particles in human artery plaques and blood clots. Evidence indicates that the particles can enter the bloodstream, trigger inflammation, damage blood vessel walls, and potentially increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. While the evidence is not yet conclusive, the study highlights an emerging area of concern that warrants further investigation into how everyday plastic exposure may affect heart and blood vessel health.
Microplastics, Nanoplastics, and the Cardiovascular Exposome: Emerging Evidence for Vascular Deposition, Thrombotic Pathways, and Cardiovascular Risk
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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.
Micro- and Nanoplastics in Cardiovascular Toxicology: Human Tissue Detection, Clinical Phenotypes, and Adverse Outcome Signals
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Scientists are finding tiny plastic particles (called micro- and nanoplastics) lodged in human blood, arteries, and even fatty plaque buildup in blood vessels — and one major study found people with plastic particles in their neck artery plaque were over 4 times more likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or die during follow-up. This review pulls together lab and human research showing these plastics may cause inflammation, blood clotting, and heart tissue damage, though scientists stress this doesn't yet prove plastics *cause* heart disease — it shows a concerning link that deserves more attention and research.
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