Health

Can Plastic Pollution Impact Heart Health? Study Reveals Potential Link Between Microplastics and Increased Risk of Heart Attacks

03/17/2024

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A recent study delved into the intricate relationship between plastic usage and cardiovascular health, unearthing alarming findings. It uncovered a concerning correlation, suggesting an elevated susceptibility to heart attacks and strokes among individuals exposed to plastic. This revelation underscores the urgent need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to mitigate the potential health risks associated with plastic consumption.

How do minuscule microplastics and nanoplastics impact the beating heart? Let’s delve into the mystery!

In a quaint Italian investigation, a curious inquiry emerged: Could minuscule plastic particles, predominantly elusive nanobeads, infiltrate the arteries of those under scrutiny? This intriguing revelation sheds light on a potential yet concerning phenomenon. Such findings provoke contemplation about the unseen impacts of plastic pollution on human health, urging a deeper dive into understanding and addressing this pervasive issue. It beckons us to ponder the unforeseen consequences of our modern lifestyle on our bodies and the environment.

Researchers examined 257 individuals who underwent surgery to clear blocked blood vessels, observing the formation of fat in their carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain, face, and neck.

Using two methods, they found evidence of nanoplastics in plaque in 150 patients, while nearly 107 patients showed no evidence of plastic.

Over three years, patients were monitored, and during that time, 20% of those with plastic in their arteries experienced heart attacks, strokes, or died for any reason, compared to 8% in the group with no evidence of plastic.

The findings were published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine.

A ‘Dangerous Message’

Researchers also found that the blood vessels of plastic-exposed individuals were more inflamed compared to those without plastic, potentially increasing their risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death.

Dr. Rafael Marfella, spearheading research at the University of Campania in Italy, expressed earnest hopes that their findings would serve as a poignant wake-up call, resonating deeply with individuals worldwide. Emphasizing the pivotal role of governments, he underscored the urgent need to prioritize the well-being of our planet. His sentiments echo a growing imperative for collective action to safeguard Earth’s precious ecosystems.

According to Dr. Philip Landrigan of Boston College, more research is needed, as he wrote in an editorial in the journal.

He said this is the first report suggesting a relationship between microplastics and nanoplastics in humans, but cautioned that it does not prove cause and effect. “Further investigation, either through replication or refutation by other researchers in other populations, is urgently needed.”

Limitations

Dr. Steve Nissen, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic, told the Associated Press that the study is interesting but has significant limitations.

He further stated, “It’s a warning that maybe we need to take the problem of microplastics more seriously. As a cause of heart disease? Not proven. As a possible cause? Yes, it’s possible.”

Some limitations include that the study only looked at people with narrowed arteries who were already at risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Those with plastic had higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol compared to those without plastic. They were also more likely to be male and smokers.

Thus, this type of observational study does not prove that plastic causes heart-related problems. Researchers also cannot rule out laboratory contamination.

They stated, “Future studies using clean rooms, where no plastics are present in any form during the study, can confirm our findings.” They also did not focus on foods and drinks such as water, which could contain nanoplastics.