19/10/2025
š« Microplastics Found in Arteries ā A Hidden Heart Risk? š§Ŗ
New research has uncovered something shocking: microplastics and nanoplastics have been found inside arterial plaque removed from human patients. And those with higher levels of these plastics may face greater risks of stroke, heart attack, and even death.
š In one study of 257 patients:
- 60% had microplastics (mostly polyethylene) in their artery plaque.
- 12% had PVC particles.
- Over 3 years, those with plastic buildup were 4.5x more likely to suffer major cardiovascular events.
š§ Another study on stroke survivors found:
- Symptomatic plaque had 51x more plastic particles than healthy arteries.
- Even asymptomatic plaque showed 16x higher levels.
- These plastics were linked to molecular changes in immune and stem cells ā especially genes tied to inflammation and plaque instability.
ā ļø Scientists stress that these are early findings ā observational, not yet proof of cause. But they raise serious questions about how plastic pollution might be silently affecting our health.
Could the microplastics in our environment be building up inside us ā and reshaping our cardiovascular future?