We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics: A Modifiable Cardiac Risk Factor
Summary
This review examines the emerging evidence linking microplastic exposure to cardiovascular disease risk factors, including oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and thrombosis. The study highlights that micro- and nanoplastics have been identified in coronary artery plaque, suggesting that microplastic exposure may represent a modifiable but currently underrecognized cardiac risk factor.
Globally, cardiovascular disease is the most prevalent cause of death, and there are other risk factors involved that are not captured through traditional means. We present a review of the literature on microplastic exposure and discuss the clinical implications of microplastics for cardiovascular disease. Experimental studies show that micro- and nanoplastics induce oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, thrombosis, dyslipidemia, and direct cardiotoxicity. These microplastics and nanoplastics have been identified in coronary plaque. Emerging clinical data have recently reported evidence in patients having microplastics in carotid plaques that are at a 4.5-fold increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death, in a cohort from the New England Journal of Medicine in 2024. Microplastics remain a potential modifiable risk for cardiovascular disease.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Relationship between microplastics and cardiovascular risk factors
This review examines the emerging evidence linking microplastic exposure to cardiovascular risk factors, including endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation, which are early indicators of heart disease. The authors conclude that microplastics represent a newly recognized environmental cardiovascular risk factor warranting further clinical research.
Microplastics. a New Risk Factor for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
This paper reviews emerging evidence linking microplastic exposure to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, noting that MPs have been detected in arterial plaques and human tissues and may contribute to cardiovascular risk through inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial disruption.
Cardiotoxicity of Microplastics: An Emerging Cardiovascular Risk Factor
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.
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.
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.