Study Finds Link Between Microplastics in Arteries and Increased Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke
A groundbreaking new study has discovered a concerning link between microplastics and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. According to the study, individuals with microplastics or nanoplastics in their carotid artery tissues were twice as likely to experience these cardiovascular events or die from any cause within the next three years compared to those without plastic contamination.
The carotid arteries, which are located on each side of the neck and transport blood to the brain, can become clogged with fatty cholesterol plaques, a process known as atherosclerosis. The researchers found that these arteries can also accumulate microplastics and nanoplastics, leading to potentially life-threatening consequences.
Lead author of the study, Raffaele Marfella, emphasized the significance of their findings, stating, “To date, our study is the first that associated the plastic contamination with human diseases.” Marfella, who is a professor of internal medicine and director of the department of medical and surgical sciences at the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in Naples, Italy, acknowledged the need for further research to confirm their results on larger populations.
Dr. Philip Landrigan, a pediatrician and professor of biology at Boston College, praised the study for providing evidence of the association between tiny plastics and cardiovascular disease outcomes in humans. In an accompanying editorial, Landrigan raised important questions about the potential risks of exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics on other organs besides the heart and how to reduce such exposure.
Microplastics are polymer fragments that can range in size from less than 0.2 inch to 1/25,000th of an inch. Anything smaller than 1/25,000th of an inch is considered a nanoplastic. Nanoplastics pose the most significant health risks as they can migrate through the tissues of the digestive tract, lungs, and bloodstream. Once inside the body, these particles can invade cells and major organs, potentially disrupting cellular processes and depositing harmful chemicals.
Research on pregnant mice has revealed the presence of plastic chemicals in various organs of developing fetuses just 24 hours after the mother ingested or inhaled plastic particles. Studies have also demonstrated that micro- and nanoplastics can cause oxidative stress, tissue damage, inflammation in cells, and alter heart rate and cardiac function in animals. However, the impact of these polymers on human organs and functions remains largely unknown.
While the study focused on plastic contamination in carotid artery tissues, it is essential to note that microplastics are prevalent in various sources, including food and beverage products. A recent study found that a liter of bottled water contained an average of 240,000 plastic particles, with 90% of them being nanoplastics. The largest sources of microplastics in the environment come from erosion and abrasion of synthetic rubber tires, synthetic textiles, and the breakdown of city and household waste.
The study utilized a unique approach by examining tissue samples from 257 individuals who underwent carotid endarterectomy, a procedure that involves removing plaque buildup from the carotid artery. The researchers used an electron microscope to identify visible plastic particles in the plaque and external debris from the surgery. They discovered measurable amounts of polyethylene, chlorine, and polyvinyl chloride in the plaque tissues of the participants.
Over a period of 34 months, participants with microplastics and nanoplastics in their bodies were twice as likely to experience a heart attack or stroke or die prematurely from any cause. The plaque tissue also showed signs of increased inflammation, which is associated with chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease. However, more research is needed to establish a direct link between plastic contamination and cardiovascular disease.
Reducing exposure to plastic is challenging but not impossible. Experts recommend using stainless steel and glass containers instead of plastic ones, avoiding microwaving food or beverages in plastic, and not putting plastic in the dishwasher. It is also advisable to check the recycling code on products and avoid plastics with recycling codes 3, which typically contain phthalates, known hormone disruptors. Cutting down on disposable plastics and opting for reusable alternatives, such as bags and coffee mugs, can also make a significant difference.
While further studies are necessary to confirm these findings on a larger scale, this research highlights the potential risks associated with microplastics and nanoplastics in our bodies. Taking steps to limit plastic exposure can contribute to better overall health and well-being.
