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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.
Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants now detected throughout the human cardiovascular system, including atherosclerotic plaques, coronary and carotid arteries, cardiac tissue, peripheral blood, and vascular thrombi. Against the backdrop of cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounting for approximately 17-20 million deaths annually, MNPs have emerged as a candidate modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. In the landmark prospective cohort by Marfella and colleagues (N Engl J Med 2024), MNP-laden carotid plaques conferred a 4.53-fold increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). MNPs were also detected in 80% of human thrombi from patients with myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Experimental studies link MNPs to cardiovascular toxicity through oxidative stress, NF-κB-mediated inflammation, endothelial senescence and dysfunction, macrophage foam cell formation, and Wnt/β-catenin-mediated cardiac fibrosis. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence linking MNPs to coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, heart failure, and thrombosis, and evaluates clinical and public health implications. Standardized detection protocols, large-scale prospective studies, and regulatory action are urgently warranted.
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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.
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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.
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.
Micro-nanoplastics and cardiovascular diseases: evidence and perspectives
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Growing evidence suggests that micro- and nanoplastic particles may be a previously unrecognized risk factor for heart disease, as they have been detected in atherosclerotic plaques, heart tissue, and blood clots in humans. Lab studies show these particles can trigger oxidative stress, promote blood clotting, and cause inflammation in blood vessel cells, and their presence in artery plaques has been linked to higher rates of cardiovascular events.
Microplastics, Nanoplastics and Heart Contamination: The Hidden Threat
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This review examines growing evidence that micro- and nanoplastics can accumulate in human cardiovascular tissues, including blood, heart muscle, and arterial plaques. Researchers found that these particles may contribute to heart and blood vessel problems through inflammation, oxidative stress, blood clotting, and direct tissue injury. The study identifies plastic particles as a potential new environmental risk factor for cardiovascular health.
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