Microplastics in Blood Linked to Heart Attacks: Study

Recent research suggests that patients suffering from severe heart attacks have higher levels of micro- and nanoplastics in their blood compared to those with stable heart conditions. This study was conducted by Italian researchers who analyzed blood samples from the coronary arteries of 61 patients undergoing angiograms, a procedure used to detect irregularities in blood vessels.

The findings reveal that about 84% of patients experiencing an active, severe heart attack had detectable levels of micro- and nanoplastics in their blood. In contrast, plastic was found in 40% of patients with chronic heart disease and only 32% of those with normal coronary arteries.

Dr. Raffaele Marfella from the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in Naples led the study, which was published in the European Heart Journal. A significant portion of the detected plastic was polyethylene, commonly used in plastic bags and bottles, showing up in 97% of the positive cases. Severe heart attack patients were more likely to have plastics in their blood than those with stable conditions or clear arteries.

Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian, highlighted the study’s contribution to ongoing research about the potential impact of micro- and nanoplastics on heart disease. She underscores the importance of considering environmental health hazards but cautions that the study does not demonstrate causation of heart attacks by plastics.

“These findings are interesting and highlight the importance of paying attention to environmental factors that may contribute to inflammation and blood vessel injury,” Routhenstein told Fox News Digital.

Routhenstein noted the study’s alignment with earlier research on microplastics found in arterial plaque, although she pointed out several limitations. The study was observational, indicating associations rather than causation, and involved a relatively small cohort from a single country. Smoking history emerged as the most significant predictor of detectable plastic particles in the blood.

Environmental and health factors, such as air pollution and smoking, also correlate with cardiovascular disease and plastic exposure, complicating the analysis of microplastics’ independent effects. To mitigate potential risks, experts recommend transitioning from plastic to glass or ceramic for food heating and storage. Michelle Routhenstein advises taking an inventory of regular microplastic exposure sources and making practical swaps where feasible.

“Think of reducing plastic exposure as one piece of an overall heart-healthy lifestyle,” she added.

Khloe Quill, a lifestyle writer with Fox News Digital, covers a range of topics including food, drink, travel, and health.