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Micro- and Nanoplastics as Emerging Cardiovascular Stressors: Mechanisms of Vascular Injury, Atherothrombosis, and Myocardial Dysfunction
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This review summarizes research on tiny plastic particles found in human blood, arteries, plaques and heart tissue. Studies suggest these particles may damage blood vessel linings and trigger inflammation linked to heart disease, but the paper notes current human evidence cannot prove plastics actually cause these conditions.
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are gaining prominence as human-made pollutants that continuously enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and iatrogenic routes. Current analytical technologies utilizing vibrational chemical imaging and thermal degradation mass spectrometry have established that these materials enter blood circulation and accumulate in the human cardiovascular system (blood, arteries, plaques, thrombi, and myocardium). MNPs function as a unique combination of solid and chemical pollutants since the materials contain an insoluble polymer core, formulation-specific additives, such as phthalates and bisphenols that can leach into the surrounding milieu, and contaminants that adsorb to the surface. This phenomenon, called the “Trojan horse” effect, explains this property of MNPs. Experimental studies have demonstrated their ability to degrade the endothelial glycocalyx and uncouple endothelial nitric oxide synthase. MNPs also trigger mitochondrial stress, which activates the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. These mechanisms can contribute to multiple cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), acute coronary syndromes (ACS), heart failure, arrhythmia, and thromboembolism. The findings from human surgical cohorts show that there is a connection between polymer accumulation in plaques, the development of vascular inflammation, the structural vulnerability of plaques, and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events. However, it is important to understand that these results are not sufficient for establishing definitive clinical causality. Most human data come from cross-sectional studies that can suffer from reverse causation, such as when inflamed, hyperpermeable vascular walls allow the entrance of the pollutants without them being the direct cause of the disease. To reach a definite conclusion about the connection between MNPs and cardiovascular diseases, it is essential to conduct intervention studies and establish prospective longitudinal exposure cohorts.
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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.
Micro- and nanoplastics as emerging cardiovascular risk factors: a new atherogenic player?
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This review summarizes existing research on tiny plastic particles called microplastics and nanoplastics, which are found in food, water, and human tissue. It reports that these particles may contribute to clogged, hardened arteries by causing cell stress, inflammation, and blood vessel problems, though current evidence does not prove they cause heart disease in people.
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
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 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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