10/24/2025
🫀 Microplastics found in human arteries — and linked to heart attacks and strokes
Scientists have made a sobering discovery: tiny fragments of plastic, known as microplastics, have been detected inside artery plaque — and their presence appears to sharply increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and even death.
In a landmark study of 257 patients undergoing carotid artery surgery, researchers found that about 60% had microplastics — mostly polyethylene — embedded in their arterial plaque, while another 12% had traces of PVC. Those with detectable plastics were 4.5 times more likely to experience a major cardiovascular event over the next three years compared to those without.
A companion study examining stroke survivors revealed that symptomatic plaques contained 51 times more micronanoplastics than healthy tissue, and even asymptomatic ones had 16 times more. The findings suggest that plastic exposure may trigger chronic inflammation and destabilize plaque, contributing to life-threatening blockages.
While more research is needed to confirm cause and effect, the results are a wake-up call: the same plastics polluting oceans and air are now infiltrating our arteries, potentially altering how our bodies age and respond to disease.
Sources:
Leopardi, M. et al. “Detection of Microplastics in Carotid Artery Plaque and Association With Cardiovascular Events.” New England Journal of Medicine.
Sabatino, J. et al. “Micronanoplastics in Atherosclerotic Plaque: Implications for Stroke Risk.” Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC).