A recent study has uncovered alarming evidence that the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in the bloodstream can significantly increase the risk of severe cardiovascular events. This groundbreaking research has linked these tiny plastic particles to a 4.5 times higher likelihood of stroke, heart attack, and death.
Researchers examined the arterial plaque of 257 patients undergoing surgery for carotid artery disease and found microplastics in the arteries of nearly 60% of participants. These plastics, primarily polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), were detected in both microplastic and nanoplastic forms, with a higher prevalence of the latter.
Plastics are a problem.💔
In March 2024, a small study in Italy found #microplastics in 60% of fatty deposits surgically removed from 257 patients who had operations to clear their clogged arteries and reported their health outcomes nearly 3 years later.https://t.co/oL0LTdRwir
— ꜱᴄɪᴇɴᴄᴇ ɴᴏᴛ ᴅᴏɢᴍᴀ™ ☮️🖖🏿🔬🌱 🇨🇦 (@ScienceNotDogma) July 23, 2024
The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, revealed that individuals with these plastic particles embedded in their arterial plaque were significantly more likely to suffer from major cardiovascular events within three years compared to those without such particles .
The presence of microplastics in the bloodstream appears to trigger inflammation and immune responses. Researchers found plastic fragments in macrophages, a type of immune cell responsible for removing pathogens. This inflammation can destabilize plaque, increasing the risk of clot formation, which can block blood flow and lead to heart attacks or strokes.
First microplastics, now class A drugs in our ocean life. Sharks off Brazil coast test positive for cocaine https://t.co/ambApst71I
— Joseph Parker-Jones (@joe_jones19) July 23, 2024
Furthermore, the study identified that the presence of microplastics correlated with certain genes associated with inflammation being activated. This suggests that the plastics may be directly influencing the biological processes that lead to cardiovascular disease.
Experts emphasize that while the study shows a strong association, it does not prove causation. Nonetheless, the findings are concerning enough to call for further research into how these ubiquitous environmental pollutants affect human health. Virtually everyone on Earth has been exposed to microplastics, which have been found in diverse environments, from Arctic snow to human organs like lungs, placenta, and now, arteries.
Given the preliminary but compelling nature of these findings, public health officials recommend reducing exposure to microplastics as a precaution. This includes minimizing the use of plastic products and advocating for policies that limit plastic pollution.
In conclusion, the study provides significant insights into the potential health risks posed by microplastics, highlighting the urgent need for further investigation into their effects on human health and the development of strategies to mitigate these risks.
