Patients experiencing severe heart attacks may have significantly higher concentrations of micro- and nanoplastics in their blood compared to individuals with stable heart conditions, according to new research.
Italian researchers analyzed blood samples from the coronary arteries of 61 patients undergoing angiograms, a procedure that analyzes blood vessels for irregularities.
They found that nearly 84% of patients suffering an active, severe heart attack had detectable micro- and nanoplastics in their blood. In contrast, plastic was detected in 40% of patients with chronic heart disease and only 32% of those with normal coronary arteries.
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Researchers led by Dr. Raffaele Marfella of the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in Naples conducted the study, which was published in the European Heart Journal.
Polyethylene, a common material used in plastic bags and bottles, appeared in 97% of those patients who tested positive.
“This study adds to emerging research showing the potential role of micro- and nanoplastics in heart disease,” Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com, told Fox News Digital.
While notable, the findings should be considered in the broader context of environmental health hazards, said New York City-based Routhenstein, who was not involved in the study.
“While these findings are interesting and highlight the importance of paying attention to environmental factors that may contribute to inflammation and blood vessel injury, they do not prove that plastics cause heart attacks,” she said.
The findings align with previous research detecting microplastics in arterial plaque, Routhenstein noted, although she cautioned that the study has several limitations.
“This was an observational study, so it can only show an association, not cause and effect,” she said. “It also included a relatively small group of patients from one country, so we can’t assume the findings apply to everyone.”
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Health and environmental variables could also complicate the data. In the study, a history of smoking emerged as the single strongest predictor of detectable plastic particles in the blood.
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“Factors like 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.
To reduce potential risk, the dietitian recommends making targeted swaps to help limit daily exposure to microplastics.
“I would take inventory of your regular sources of microplastic exposure and see where you can reduce or swap them for better alternatives,” Routhenstein said. “For example, replace plastic food storage containers with glass ones.”
She also urged taking extra precautions when preparing meals 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 they’re exposed to heat.”
She added, “Think of reducing plastic exposure as one piece of an overall heart-healthy lifestyle.”
