Here’s How Microplastics Impact Your Heart Health

Rubber Heart: Microplastics are found virtually everywhere: in our food, water, air, and more. New research on mice indicates microplastics may be linked to cardiovascular harm by accelerating plaque buildup in the arteries, especially in males. 

The Study: Researchers placed male and female mice on low-fat, low-cholesterol diets to simulate what healthy, lean humans eat. They fed the mice microplastics in amounts comparable to standard human consumption in food and water. The male mice had a dramatic increase in atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) — 63% more plaque in the aortic root and 624% more plaque in the brachiocephalic artery. The female mice had no significant increase. The microplastics also altered the mice’s endothelial cells and triggered plaque-promoting activity in their genes. 

The Takeaway: Researchers think sex chromosomes and hormones, especially estrogen, may have provided protective benefits for the female mice, but more research is needed. Previous research also found microplastics in arteries increased the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death. 

Keep In Mind: The research was done on mice, not humans. Limiting exposure to microplastics as much as possible (like from single-use water bottles) and protecting heart health through diet, exercise, and other good habits can go a long way.