Researchers have detected micro- and nanoplastics in the blood of a large majority of patients experiencing severe heart attacks, raising new questions about the possible role of plastic exposure in cardiovascular disease.

Study Findings

A study published in the European Heart Journal found detectable levels of microplastics and nanoplastics in nearly 84% of patients suffering active, severe heart attacks, compared with lower detection rates among people with other heart conditions.

Researchers from the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in Naples, Italy, analyzed blood samples from 61 patients undergoing angiograms, a procedure used to examine blood vessels for blockages or abnormalities.

The study found plastic particles in 83.6% of patients experiencing acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. Researchers also detected plastic particles in 40% of patients with chronic coronary heart disease and 32% of patients with normal coronary arteries.

The most commonly identified material was polyethylene, a widely used plastic found in products including grocery bags, food packaging, and plastic bottles. Researchers reported polyethylene was present in 97% of patients who tested positive for plastic particles.

Expert Insights

Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian, told Fox News Digital that the findings contribute to emerging concerns about possible connections between microplastics and cardiovascular health.

Routhenstein emphasized that the research only demonstrates an association and that a history of smoking was the strongest predictor of whether plastic particles were detected in a patient’s blood.

Routhenstein recommends replacing plastic food storage containers with glass alternatives when possible and avoiding heating food in plastic containers to reduce everyday exposure to microplastics.

Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.