Your Exposure to Microplastics Might Influence Your Risk of Heart Attack

Heart to Heart: From brains to blood, scientists have found tiny plastic particles in nearly every part of the human body. Now, a new study suggests they may also be linked to heart attacks. While the findings don’t prove microplastics are to blame, they add to growing concerns about how everyday environmental exposures may affect our overall health.

The Study: Researchers analyzed blood collected from the coronary arteries of 61 adults undergoing coronary angiography, a test used to assess blood flow through the heart’s arteries. Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) were detected in 84% of patients who had experienced a major heart attack, compared with 40% of people with chronic heart disease and 32% of those with normal coronary arteries. Polyethylene — the most widely produced plastic globally — was the most frequently detected polymer. The researchers also found higher MNP levels among people who smoked or had greater long-term exposure to air pollution.

Takeaway: There was a clear association between MNPs and heart attacks. Researchers suspect these particles may contribute to coronary artery disease, but much larger studies are needed before they can establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

Keep In Mind: This was a small, observational study, so it cannot show that microplastics cause heart attacks.

Postscript: If you’re curious about your own exposure to microplastics, take our assessment.