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Microplastics and Nanoplastics and the Digestive System
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Tiny plastic particles called microplastics and nanoplastics are common in the environment and can enter the body through eating, breathing, or skin contact. In a study of 312 patients who had plaque removed from neck arteries, 58% had these particles in the plaque, and those patients had about twice the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from any cause afterward.
Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) arise from diverse sources and are pervasive in the environment.1 Humans are exposed to MNPs through ingestion, inhalation, or direct skin contact. Recently, a prospective study reported an association of MNPs with cardiovascular outcomes.2 Among 312 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy, MNPs were detectable in the excised plaque of 58% of participants. Importantly, the presence of MNPs in the carotid plaque was associated with a subsequent risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or death from any cause about 2 times higher compared to patients whose plaques did lack such particles.
More Papers Like This
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.
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 in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events
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This landmark clinical study found that patients with micro- and nanoplastics detected in their carotid artery plaque had a significantly higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death over a 34-month follow-up period compared to those without detectable plastics. This is one of the first studies to directly link microplastic presence in human blood vessels to worse cardiovascular outcomes. The findings suggest that plastic accumulation in arteries may be an important and previously unrecognized risk factor for 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.
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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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.