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Cardiotoxicity of Microplastics: An Emerging Cardiovascular Risk Factor
Summary
This review examines emerging evidence that microplastics may pose risks to cardiovascular health, summarizing findings from laboratory and animal studies. Researchers found that microplastic exposure has been linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and disrupted heart function in experimental settings. Given that cardiovascular disease is already the leading cause of death globally, the study suggests that microplastics as a potential contributing factor warrant urgent further investigation.
The widespread use of plastics and improper disposal have resulted in the ubiquity of microplastics in the environment, from uninhabited polar regions to terrestrial ecosystems. This ubiquity poses significant health concerns for our environment and health. Various in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo studies have indicated microplastic toxicity in humans' respiratory, digestive, neurological, reproductive, and developmental health. Recent studies have pointed out that these microplastics also have cardiovascular toxicity. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one killer in the world, with over 20 million annual deaths worldwide. Hence, microplastics, as a potential risk factor for CVDs, can result in a significant increase in mortality and morbidity because almost everyone is currently exposed to microplastics. This perspective article explores the toxic effects of microplastics on cardiovascular human health. It focuses on various studies that have found microplastics from human arteries/cardiac tissues and their potential role in atherosclerosis and subsequent increases in myocardial infarction, stroke, and mortality. Studies reported the presence of various microplastics, such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, and polystyrene, in cardiac tissues and arteries (coronary, aorta, cerebral, and carotid). Studies have suggested a potential negative correlation between microplastics and cardiovascular health, with the presence or increased concentration of microplastics linked to greater severity of health issues. Still, a causal relationship is yet to be established. Future studies, such as cohorts, should focus on deciphering and establishing whether microplastics are a potential cardiovascular risk factor.