Study Detects Microplastics in 84% of Heart Attack Patients as Smoking, Pollution Raise Levels
Updated
Updated · pharmaphorum · Jul 15
Study Detects Microplastics in 84% of Heart Attack Patients as Smoking, Pollution Raise Levels
3 articles · Updated · pharmaphorum · Jul 15
Summary
An Italian study of 61 patients found micro- and nanoplastics in the blood of 84% of STEMI heart attack patients, versus 40% of people with chronic coronary artery disease and 32% without CAD.
Polyethylene made up 97% of detected particles, and heart attack patients showed a wider mix of plastics alongside higher inflammatory biomarkers, pointing to a possible cardiovascular link.
Smoking and heavier air-pollution exposure were associated with higher microplastic levels, adding to evidence that environmental exposure may shape what reaches the coronary circulation.
Outside experts said the findings are exploratory, noting other factors such as social deprivation or microplastics shed by intravenous infusions during heart attack treatment could help explain the difference.
The researchers and commentators said the study shows association rather than causation and that larger prospective and mechanistic studies are needed before judging clinical risk.