This new study suggests a troubling connection between microplastics and cardiovascular health. People with microplastics or nanoplastics found in their carotid artery tissues were twice as likely to experience heart attack, stroke, or death within three years compared to those without plastic contamination.
The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, is the first to link plastic contamination in humans with cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers led by Dr. Raffaele Marfella emphasize the need for confirmation through larger studies.
Dr. Philip Landrigan, in an accompanying editorial, highlights the urgency for further research on microplastics as a potential cardiovascular risk factor.
Understanding Microplastics and nanoplastics:
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments less than 5 millimeters in size, while nanoplastics are even smaller, measured in billionths of a meter.
Experts warn that nanoplastics pose a greater health risk due to their ability to enter the bloodstream through the digestive tract or lungs.
Once in the bloodstream, nanoplastics can potentially disrupt cellular processes and deposit harmful chemicals in vital organs.
Studies have shown plastic chemicals in the developing fetuses of pregnant mice exposed to microplastics.
Microplastics and nanoplastics may cause cellular damage, and inflammation, and potentially affect heart function based on animal studies.
These tiny plastic particles have been detected in various human tissues, including blood, lungs, and the placenta.
The plastic industry acknowledges the goal of reducing plastic waste but emphasizes the need for scientific consensus on health impacts before public alarm.
A recent study found a significant amount of microplastics, primarily nanoplastics, in bottled water.
The unique study approach in this research on microplastics and heart disease lies in two key aspects:
Direct Tissue Sampling: Unlike most studies that rely on blood or stool samples, this research directly examined tissues removed from the carotid arteries of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. This provided a more definitive look for microplastics potentially lodged within the plaque buildup associated with cardiovascular disease.
Electron Microscope Analysis: Due to the minute size of microplastics and nanoplastics, traditional microscopes wouldn’t be sufficient for detection. This study utilized electron microscopes, which offer significantly higher magnification, allowing researchers to identify and analyze the presence and characteristics of these tiny plastic particles within the plaque samples.
This combination of direct tissue sampling and high-powered electron microscope analysis provides a more robust and conclusive approach compared to relying on indirect methods like blood tests. It offers a clearer picture of the potential link between microplastic presence and cardiovascular health.
Reducing Microplastic Exposure:
While completely avoiding plastic contamination is difficult, individual efforts to minimize plastic use can make a difference.
Using reusable containers like stainless steel or glass is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Environmental groups suggest steps like reusable shopping bags, fabric dry-cleaning bags, and reusable coffee mugs to minimize reliance on disposable plastics.
This study raises a red flag about the potential link between microplastics and cardiovascular health. Further research is crucial, but individuals can take steps to reduce their exposure to plastics in the meantime.
