The Impact of Microplastics on Heart Health

Original Article: https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2309822

Investigating Microplastics

Researchers are looking into the effects of tiny plastic particles, known as microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs), on heart health. While studies on animals suggest they could be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, until recently, we didn’t have direct proof of this in humans.

How the Study Was Done 

Scientists carried out a study where they looked at patients getting surgery to clear plaque from their carotid arteries, which are in the neck. They checked the plaque samples for microplastics using various methods including electron microscopy and chemical analysis. They also measured inflammation levels in the plaque. The main thing they wanted to see was if patients with microplastics in their plaque had more heart attacks, strokes, or deaths compared to those without microplastics.

What They Found

Out of 304 patients in the study, about 58% had microplastics in their carotid artery plaque!! These microplastics were mostly made of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride, common types of plastic. Patients with microplastics in their plaque were also at a higher risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or dying within 34 months compared to those without microplastics. This tells us that microplastics might play a role in cardiovascular disease, but more research is needed to understand exactly how they affect our health.