Study : Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events

Study demonstrated relationship between presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in carotid artery plaques and increase in risk of heart attacks, strokes and death.

Comments & Notes
This study adds to the increasing concerns about the impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on our long term health. Although this observational study cannot prove that the increased incidence of heart attack, stroke and death from any cause seen in the patients with evidence of microplastics and nanoplastics fragments in their carotid artery plaques is caused by the microplastics, it does add to the increasing body of research that suggests the possible harm that microplastics can do to our body. The findings of increased signals of inflammation and immune cell activity in the carotid plaques with microplastics and nanoplastics certainly do add to the suspicion that the presence of the microplastics did play at least a contributory role in the disease progression and subsequent increase in cardiovascular event (myorcardial infarction and stroke) and death. 

Takeaway
Even as we wait for scientific research to fully understand the impact of microplastics on our health, we can certainly do everything that we can to reduce the ingestion and inhalation of microplastics by reducing the use of plastics in our daily lives, especially in the area of food storage and preparation.

Video
Microplastics Linked to Higher Risks of Cardiovascular Diseases



Study
Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events. N Engl J Med. 2024 Mar 7;390(10):900-910. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2309822.

Link to Study article on Pubmed
Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38446676/