Heart Under Siege: Study Reveals Tiny Plastic Particles Could Fuel Heart Disease

Synopsis:

Researchers have identified that tiny plastic particles known as microplastics and nanoplastics may pose a threat to human cardiovascular health. Published in The New England Journal of Medicine, a new study titled "Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events" has uncovered direct evidence that these particles, which pollute our environment, can infiltrate the human body and contribute to the development of heart disease.

The study was led by a team of interdisciplinary researchers including R. Marfella, F. Prattichizzo, C. Sardu, and others, aiming to understand whether the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in the body increases the risk of cardiovascular events. Microplastics are defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters, while nanoplastics are even tinier, less than 1000 nanometers in size. Previously, evidence of the harmful effects of these particles on human health was limited to lab studies and animal models. There was a paucity of human-centered research, especially in terms of their potential role in heart disease and related events such as heart attacks and strokes.

In this prospective multicenter observational study, patients undergoing surgery for asymptomatic carotid artery disease—a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the brain become narrowed—were studied. Researchers analyzed excised arterial plaque for the presence of these plastic particles using advanced scientific techniques, including a combination of pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, stable isotope analysis, and electron microscopy. In addition to detecting these particles, the investigation also assessed the levels of inflammatory biomarkers in the patients to establish whether there was a link between the presence of the particles and increased cardiovascular risk.

The study's key findings revealed that microplastics were indeed present in the artery plaques of many patients. Specifically, of the 304 patients enrolled with a mean follow-up of nearly 34 months, microplastics made up of polyethylene were found in the plaques of 58.4% of the participants, and a smaller fraction also had polyvinyl chloride. The presence of these materials was associated with an increase in cardiovascular risk: those with microplastics and nanoplastics in their plaque had a significantly higher risk of experiencing a heart attack, stroke, or death than those without these particles. The more scientific examination showed that the particles were often found within the cells of the plaques and even embedded in the surrounding tissue, signifying their pervasiveness and potential for harm.

The implications of this study are of profound significance. The authors suggest that environmental pollution with microplastics and nanoplastics is not just an ecological concern, but also a health hazard with tangible implications for human cardiovascular health. While the study offers concrete evidence for the correlation between these pollutants and heart disease, it also raises awareness of their ubiquitous presence in the environment and the importance of mitigating plastic pollution to safeguard public health.

The researchers conclude with a call for further studies to expand on these findings, aiming to firmly establish the broader public health repercussions that arise from exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics and to explore potential preventative measures and treatments for those affected.