Microplastics in blood increase cardiovascular risk, Italian study shows

A recent study involving 61 patients across two Italian hospitals has revealed a significant link between microplastic presence in the blood and cardiovascular events. The research, published in the European Heart Journal, indicates that individuals who have experienced a myocardial infarction, or heart attack, exhibit the highest concentrations of microplastics in their blood. This finding suggests a potential connection between plastic pollution and the development of cardiovascular disease.

Further analysis showed that smokers and people exposed to high levels of air pollution also had more microplastics in their blood compared to those with chronic ischemic heart disease or healthy individuals. The study examined blood samples from patients in Rome and Verona, categorizing them into groups with heart attacks, chronic ischemic heart disease, and normal coronary arteries. Researchers also gathered data on smoking habits and exposure to air pollutants over the past two years.

The microplastics and nanoplastics found in the coronary arteries were analyzed, with results showing that 84% of severe heart attack patients had high levels of these particles. This contrasts with 40% of patients with chronic ischemic heart disease and 32% of those with normal arteries. Patients who suffered heart attacks also showed a greater variety of plastic types, with polyethylene, commonly found in packaging, being the most prevalent.

Smokers were found to be six times more likely to have microplastics in their blood. Similarly, individuals reporting exposure to high levels of air pollutants, such as PM2.5 particles, also had a higher probability. Among those who neither smoked nor were exposed to air pollution, only 12.5% showed high microplastic levels. Researchers emphasize that while the study highlights a strong association, it does not definitively prove that microplastics cause heart attacks, but rather that plastic pollution exposure is linked to cardiovascular issues.