Study finds higher microplastic levels in heart attack patients' blood

A new study has found that people who suffered a major heart attack had significantly higher levels of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in their blood compared to those with chronic coronary artery disease or healthy coronary arteries. The research, published in the European Heart Journal, highlights a strong association between the presence of tiny plastic particles in the bloodstream and acute heart attacks.

The study, led by Dr Pasquale Paolisso of Sant’Andrea University Hospital in Rome, also found that smokers and individuals exposed to higher levels of air pollution had greater concentrations of these particles in their blood. However, the researchers caution that the findings do not prove that microplastics directly cause heart attacks. Instead, they point to a correlation between environmental exposure, microplastic presence in the blood, and different stages of coronary artery disease.

Dr K Srinath Reddy, Chancellor of the Public Health Foundation of India Institute of Public Health Sciences and former head of the Department of Cardiology at AIIMS, New Delhi, said the research adds another environmental risk factor to the growing list of contributors to heart disease. “This study suggests that microplastics may be one more factor causing long-term damage to coronary arteries and triggering acute heart attacks,” Dr Reddy explained. He noted a less strong but still important association between blood levels of microplastics and chronic coronary artery disease.

Chronic coronary artery disease is a long-term condition where fatty deposits gradually build up in the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow. A heart attack occurs suddenly when one of these arteries becomes completely blocked. Dr Reddy also emphasised the strong link between smoking and higher microplastic levels, possibly due to direct intake from cigarette filters or increased absorption because smoking damages the lungs' natural barriers.

Micro- and nanoplastics are widespread environmental pollutants, ranging in size from one nanometre to five millimetres. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, about 2.7 million tonnes of microplastics entered the environment in 2020, with projections doubling by 2040. People are exposed through inhaled air and ingested food and water. The study underscores the need for further research into how these pollutants affect cardiovascular health.