Microplastics found in arterial plaque may increase heart attack and stroke risk by 4.5 times, raising new concerns about the hidden health impacts of our plastic-saturated environment.
At a Glance
- Researchers discovered microplastics in the neck artery plaque of 58% of 257 study participants
- People with microplastics in their arterial plaque faced 4.5 times higher rates of heart attack, stroke, and death
- Polyethylene (from plastic bags and bottles) and polyvinyl chloride were the most common types found
- Concentrations were up to 50 times higher in arteries with plaque compared to healthy arteries
- Microplastics enter the body primarily through food and water, not just direct plastic use
The Unseen Invaders in Our Arteries
The tiny plastic particles polluting our oceans and environment have now been confirmed as invaders in our cardiovascular system. In a groundbreaking study published in The New England Journal of Medicine on March 7, 2024, researchers found microplastics in the neck artery plaque of 58% of the 257 people tested. More concerning, those with microplastics present experienced a 4.5 times higher rate of heart attacks, strokes, and death compared to those without detectable microplastics. This discovery adds a troubling new dimension to our understanding of heart disease risk factors, suggesting that plastic pollution may be affecting our health in ways we’re only beginning to comprehend.
Scientists analyzed fewer than 50 carotid artery samples from adults aged 60 to 90, including individuals with and without symptoms of cardiovascular disease. The findings were stark: significantly higher concentrations of micronanoplastics appeared in plaque from symptomatic individuals compared to tissue from healthy donors. Even more telling, the concentrations were drastically elevated in those who had already experienced a stroke, mini-stroke, or temporary vision loss due to clogged blood vessels. These findings suggest that microplastics might not only be present in arterial plaque but may play a role in making that plaque more dangerous.
Every week, the average person ingests up to the equivalent of a 5-gram credit card in plastic.
Microplastics are now thought to accumulate in the brain at 10 to 20 times the rate as other organs and, worse still, are 10-times higher in the brains of people who died from… pic.twitter.com/CU5JEKz4hU
— Dr. Rhonda Patrick (@foundmyfitness) September 20, 2024
Sources and Exposure Pathways
Many people assume their exposure to microplastics comes primarily from using plastic products like water bottles, food containers, or utensils. However, experts point to a much broader and more insidious source. “Many people think that micro and nanoplastics mainly come from using plastic utensils, cutting boards, packaging, water bottles and other plastic items. However, the main source is the food and water we eat and drink,” explains Ross Clark, M.D., M.B.A., R.P.V.I. The microplastics found in the study were primarily polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride, which are commonly used in everyday items like plastic bags, bottles, and pipes.
Micronanoplastics are defined as tiny plastic particles that result from industrial processes or the degradation of larger plastic objects. Their minuscule size—ranging from microscopic to nanoscopic—allows them to penetrate cells and tissues, potentially disrupting normal bodily functions. As plastic pollution continues to accumulate in our environment, these particles increasingly find their way into our food chain, water supplies, and eventually, our bodies. The findings suggest that our bodies may be serving as unwitting repositories for the consequences of global plastic consumption.
Biological Effects and Implications
While the research revealed clear associations between microplastics and cardiovascular events, scientists are still working to understand the exact mechanisms at play. The study found differences in gene activity related to plaque stabilization and inflammation in samples with varying plastic concentrations, suggesting complex biological interactions. Interestingly, no direct link was found between micronanoplastic levels and sudden inflammation, pointing to potentially subtle or cumulative effects rather than acute reactions. The presence of these particles appears to influence how arterial plaque develops and potentially how stable or unstable it becomes.
The researchers are careful to note the limitations of their findings. “These observational findings can’t pinpoint microplastics as the culprit, as other unmeasured exposures or habits may be to blame,” the authors caution in their report. Other limitations include the lack of comprehensive demographic data and potential measurement inaccuracies due to similar breakdown products. Despite these constraints, the association between microplastics and cardiovascular events is strong enough to warrant serious attention from the medical community and further investigation into prevention strategies.
