Microplastics found at higher levels in heart attack patients’ blood
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Patients who have suffered a severe heart attack may have significantly higher concentrations of micro- and nanoplastics in their blood than people with stable heart disease, according to new research.
Italian researchers analyzed blood samples taken from the coronary arteries of 61 patients who underwent angiograms, a procedure that analyzes blood vessels for irregularities.
They found that approximately 84 percent of patients with active, severe heart attacks had detectable micro- and nanoplastics in their blood. In contrast, plastic was detected in 40 percent of patients with chronic heart disease and only 32 percent of those with normal coronary arteries.
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The study, published in the European Heart Journal, was conducted by Dr. Luigi Vanvitelli University of Campania in Naples. It was conducted by researchers led by Raffaele Marfella.
Polyethylene, a material commonly used in plastic bags and bottles, was seen in 97% of patients who tested positive.
Patients who had a massive heart attack were significantly more likely to have micro- and nanoplastics in their blood than patients with stable heart disease or clear arteries. (iStock)
“This study adds to new research showing the potential role of micro- and nanoplastics in heart disease,” Michelle Routhenstein, preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com, told Fox News Digital.
New York City-based Routhenstein, who was not involved in the research, said the findings, while remarkable, should be considered in the context of broader environmental health hazards.
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“While these findings are interesting and highlight the importance of paying attention to environmental factors that may contribute to inflammation and blood vessel damage, they do not prove that plastics cause heart attacks,” he said.
Routhenstein noted that the findings were consistent with previous research detecting microplastics in arterial plaque, but cautioned that the study had some limitations.
Researchers found that smoking history was the strongest predictor of detectable plastic particles in blood. (iStock)
“This was an observational study, so it may only show an association, not cause and effect,” he said. “It also included a relatively small group of patients from one country, so we cannot assume the findings apply to everyone.”
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Health and environmental variables can also complicate the data. The study found that smoking history was the strongest predictor of plastic particles detectable in the blood.
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“Factors such as smoking and air pollution are also linked to cardiovascular disease and higher plastic exposure, making it difficult to separate the independent effects of microplastics,” Routhenstein said.
Heating food with glass or ceramics instead of plastic is one way to reduce exposure to microplastics, experts say. (iStock)
To reduce potential risk, the dietitian recommends making targeted swaps to help limit daily exposure to microplastics.
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“I would regularly inventory your sources of exposure to microplastics and see where you could reduce them or replace them with better alternatives,” Routhenstein said. “For example, replace plastic food storage containers with glass ones.”
He also urged people to take extra precautions when preparing food and drinking water.
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“When microwaving or reheating food, use glass or ceramic containers instead of plastic,” she said. “It’s also a good idea to limit plastic water bottles and single-use plastic containers, especially when exposed to heat.”
“Consider reducing exposure to plastic as part of an overall heart-healthy lifestyle,” he added.
