0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Human Health Effects Nanoplastics Sign in to save

Micro-nanoplastic induced cardiovascular disease and dysfunction: a scoping review

Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology 2025 16 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 68 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Adrián Goldsworthy, Liam O’Callaghan, C Blum, Jarod Horobin, Lotti Tajouri, Matthew Olsen, Natalia Van Der Bruggen, Simon McKirdy, Rashed Alghafri, Oystein Tronstad, Jacky Y. Suen, John F. Fraser

Summary

Researchers reviewed evidence from animal and human studies on how micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) affect the heart and blood vessels, finding that MNPs can damage the inner lining of blood vessels, promote plaque buildup, and interfere with blood clotting — all of which raise the risk of heart disease. The review calls for more research to understand how much MNP accumulation occurs in the human cardiovascular system and what it means for long-term cardiac health.

The findings of this review, when evaluated together with additional studies utilising animal models, suggest MNPs may contribute to global cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In particular, the ability of MNPs to induce endothelial damage, oxy-LDL formation, foam cell development and apoptosis, as well as to alter the clotting cascade, has potential implications for vascular diseases. In addition, MNPs may play a role in the aetiology and progression of congenital heart abnormalities, infective pathologies and cardiomyopathies. Despite an increasing awareness of the ability for MNPs to result in cardiovascular disease and dysfunction, a limited amount of research has been conducted to date characterising the presence of MNPs in the human cardiovascular system. Reseach is required to understand the extent of this rapidly emerging issue and to develop strategies that will support clinicians to appropriately manage and educate their patients in the future.

Sign in to start a discussion.

More Papers Like This

Systematic Review Tier 1

Micro- and nanoplastics in the cardiovascular system: current evidence, research gaps: a systematic review

This systematic review examined how microplastics and nanoplastics affect the heart and blood vessels. Studies in both animals and human tissue found that these particles can cause blood vessel inflammation, disrupt heart function, and were even linked to higher rates of heart attack and stroke in people with plastic particles in their arteries.

Article Tier 2

Micro-nanoplastics and cardiovascular diseases: evidence and perspectives

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.

Article Tier 2

Micro- and nanoplastics: A new cardiovascular risk factor?

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.

Article Tier 2

Emerging cardiovascular risks of micro- and nanoplastics: toxic effects and mechanistic pathways

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.

Article Tier 2

Micro-nanoplastic induced cardiovascular disease and dysfunction: a scoping review

This scoping review examined evidence linking micro- and nanoplastic exposure to cardiovascular disease and dysfunction, summarizing findings from animal and in vitro studies and identifying plausible mechanisms including inflammation and oxidative stress.

Share this paper