Plastic is a problem, and it’s everywhere. Now, with microplastics and nanoplastics being found in our oceans and lakes, and even inside of us, one has to wonder how this is affecting the health of the environment and our bodies. Well, according to a new study, individuals who have microplastics and nanoplastics lurking in their bodies may be at a higher risk for heart attack, stroke, and death.
Microplastics, Nanosplastics and Heart Health
Microplastics are small pieces of plastic less than 5 mm long, whereas nanoplastics are particles smaller than 1000 nanometers. Both of these particles are found all around us, from breast milk to the oceans to our food supply to even the air we breathe.
Dr. Raffaele Marfella is a professor in the Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences at the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli. With a background in researching atherosclerosis, a condition whereby fats, cholesterol, and other substances build up in and on the artery walls, Dr. Marfella and his team set out to examine factors that could influence the progression of atherosclerosis and, thus, cardiovascular events.
Whilst existing studies have examined the link between microplastics and nanoplastics and human health, this would be the first to examine it from a cardiovascular perspective.
“We first wondered whether plastic, in the form of micro- or nanoplastics, could also degrade our arteries and whether the presence of such a biologically inert material could alter the health of our vessels,” said Dr. Marfella to Medical News Today.
For the study, Dr. Marfella and his team followed 257 participants who were already undergoing preventative surgery to remove plaque from their carotid arteries, collect plaque samples and perform chemical analysis. They then followed up with the participants 34 months later.
Through their analysis, the researchers noted that nearly 60% of their patients had polyethylene microplastics in their plaques, whereas 12% of patients had polyvinyl chloride microplastics in their plaques.
Polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride are the most commonly manufactured forms of plastic with polyethylene being used in grocery bags, bottles and food packaging, whilst polyvinyl chloride is used in flooring, cladding, and pipes. The researchers believe that they may have entered the body either through the consumption of contaminated products, breathing in particles, or by absorption through the skin.
Do Nanoplastics and Microplastics Cause Heart Attacks?
Per the analysis, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, participants who had microplastics in their plaques faced a 4.5 higher risk for heart attack, stroke, or death in the 34 months following their plaque removal surgery, compared to those who did not have any type of plastic in their plaques.
The researchers also noted that the more microplastics a person had, the higher levels of inflammatory markers their plaques had. These markers have been associated with the build-up of fatty plaques in the blood vessels, which then raises the chances of a blood clot developing, which in turn can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Additionally, the researchers noted that nanoplastics and microplastics were more common in participants living with diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Despite the alarming findings, it’s important to point out that the study has its limitations. For one, the study only shows correlation, not causation. It also only focuses on a select set of individuals, so it’s unclear if the findings can be applied to a larger population of people.
Lastly, the researchers admitted there is a possibility that the fatty plaques may have been contaminated with plastic particles in the laboratory after being removed.
Plastic-Free Living For A Healthier Heart
Despite the limitations, the findings do add to a growing body of research about the potential impact of plastic on health.
“I hope that the alarm message from our study will raise the consciousness of citizens, especially governments, to finally become aware of the importance of the health of our planet. To put it in a slogan that can unite the need for health for humans and the planet, plastic-free is healthy for the heart and the earth.” – Dr. Raffaele Marfella
A guide to plastic-free living
- Stop using plastic straws and buy reusable stainless steel or glass straw
- Use a reusable produce bag.
- Give up gum. Gum is made of synthetic rubber, aka plastic.
- Buy boxes instead of bottles.
- Buy food from bulk bins and fill in a reusable bag or container.
- Reuse containers to store leftovers or shop in bulk.
- Use a reusable bottle or mug for your beverages.
- Bring a container for take-out
- Use matches instead of disposable plastic lighters, or invest in a refillable metal lighter.
- Avoid buying frozen foods because their packaging is mostly plastic.
References
Raffaele Marfella, Prattichizzo, F., Celestino Sardu, Fulgenzi, G., et al. (2024). Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events. The New England Journal of Medicine, 390(10), pp.900–910. doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2309822.
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