It’s increasing the risk of heart problems.
A new study presented at the American Heart Association’s meeting in Baltimore suggests that microplastics may contribute to the development of clogged arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Researchers found that fatty buildups in the arteries of the neck can contain significantly more microplastic particles than arteries without these plaques. The concentration of these particles was especially high in individuals who had already experienced cardiovascular events, such as strokes or transient ischemic attacks.
Lead researcher Dr. Ross Clark from the University of New Mexico explained that these tiny plastic particles—often originating from environmental pollution—are absorbed into the food and water supply. Over time, microplastics break down from larger items like packaging and kitchen tools, becoming small enough to enter the body through ingestion. Nanoplastics, which are smaller than 1,000 nanometers and invisible to the naked eye, can be especially pervasive.
The study expanded on previous research from Italy that discovered nanoplastics embedded in arterial plaque. That earlier study linked the presence of these particles to an increased likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, or death. In the new investigation, researchers examined carotid artery tissue from 48 individuals, some of whom had surgery due to strokes or stroke-like conditions, while others were healthy tissue donors.
Findings showed a dramatic increase in nanoplastic levels in people who had experienced a cardiovascular event—up to 51 times higher compared to those without such conditions. Interestingly, the plastic particles did not appear to cause immediate inflammation but were associated with genetic changes in cells that normally help manage inflammation and stabilize plaques.
Dr. Karen Furie, a neurology chair at Brown University, described the results as both “interesting and troubling,” noting that plastic exposure hasn’t previously been viewed as a potential risk factor for stroke. While the researchers emphasized the need for more studies to fully understand these long-term health effects, they believe that uncovering how nanoplastics interact with the body could eventually help guide new strategies for preventing vascular disease.
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