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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.
In this study, patients with carotid artery plaque in which MNPs were detected had a higher risk of a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death from any cause at 34 months of follow-up than those in whom MNPs were not detected. (Funded by Programmi di Ricerca Scientifica di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT05900947.).
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Tissue-specific distribution of microplastics in human blood and carotid plaques: A paired sample analysis
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In a study of 20 patients undergoing surgery for clogged neck arteries, researchers found microplastics in both blood and artery plaque samples from every patient. The plaques contained nearly six times more microplastics than blood, suggesting that plastics accumulate in damaged blood vessels. Some types of microplastics were linked to changes in cholesterol levels, raising questions about whether plastic particles could worsen 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, Nanoplastics, and the Cardiovascular Exposome: Emerging Evidence for Vascular Deposition, Thrombotic Pathways, and Cardiovascular Risk
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This review pulls together existing studies on tiny plastic particles found in blood vessels and artery plaque, some of which link their presence to higher rates of heart attack, stroke, and death. However, these studies show a connection, not proof that plastics cause these problems. Scientists say more research is needed before doctors should test for plastics or change how they treat 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.
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.
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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.