Microplastics Found in Human Arteries

For years, environmental scientists have tracked the spread of plastic pollution in our oceans, soil, and food supply. However, a major medical breakthrough has moved the conversation from the environment directly to human health. Recent research has confirmed that microplastics are not just passing through our bodies; they are accumulating in arterial plaque and significantly increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. This discovery marks a turning point in how we understand the long-term impact of synthetic materials on cardiovascular health.

The Landmark Study: Plastics in Plaque

In March 2024, the New England Journal of Medicine published a study led by Dr. Raffaele Marfella from the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in Italy. This research provided the first concrete evidence linking internal plastic contamination to specific cardiovascular outcomes.

The study followed 257 patients who were undergoing a carotid endarterectomy. This is a surgical procedure used to remove fatty plaque buildup from the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. The researchers analyzed the removed plaque to see what it contained.

The results were stark. They detected measurable amounts of polyethylene in the plaque of 150 patients (58.4% of the group). Additionally, 31 of those patients also had measurable amounts of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Identifying the Contaminants

The scientists used advanced techniques like pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify the specific types of plastic.

• Polyethylene: This was the most common plastic found. It is the material typically used for plastic bags, shrink wrap, and bottles.
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Found in fewer patients but present nonetheless. PVC is common in water pipes, plastic flooring, and packaging.

The particles found were mostly jagged-edged remnants classified as nanoplastics. These are particles smaller than 1 micrometer, invisible to the naked eye and small enough to penetrate cells.

The 4.5 Times Risk Factor

The presence of plastic in the body is concerning on its own, but the study highlighted a direct correlation to severe health events. The researchers followed up with the patients for an average of 34 months after their surgery.

They found that patients with microplastics or nanoplastics in their arterial plaque were 4.5 times more likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke, or death from any cause compared to those whose plaque was plastic-free.

This statistical link remained strong even when the researchers accounted for other risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking habits. This suggests that the plastic itself serves as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Inflammation and Stability

Why does plastic make heart disease worse? The leading theory supported by the Marfella study involves inflammation. The analysis showed that the plaque containing microplastics had significantly higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers.

When the immune system detects a foreign object like a jagged shard of nanoplastic, it triggers an inflammatory response to attack the invader. In the context of arterial plaque, this chronic inflammation can make the plaque deposits more unstable. Unstable plaque is more likely to rupture (break loose), which can block blood flow to the brain or heart, resulting in a stroke or heart attack.

The jagged edges of the plastic particles may also physically irritate the arterial walls, preventing the body from healing and maintaining a constant state of agitation within the blood vessels.

How Plastics Enter the Bloodstream

To understand how to mitigate this risk, it is important to understand the entry points. Nanoplastics are small enough to bypass the body’s natural filtration systems.

1. Ingestion: We consume microplastics through water (both tap and bottled), seafood, and even table salt. Bottled water, in particular, has been shown to contain up to 240,000 plastic fragments per liter according to recent studies by Columbia University.
2. Inhalation: Microfibers from synthetic clothing (polyester, nylon) and dust from tires shed into the air. When inhaled, the smallest particles can cross from the lungs into the bloodstream.
3. Skin Absorption: While less common for larger particles, nanoplastics in certain cosmetics or personal care products may penetrate the skin barrier.

Once in the bloodstream, these particles can lodge themselves in lipid deposits (fats), which eventually form the plaque removed in the Marfella study.

Practical Steps to Reduce Exposure

While it is impossible to completely avoid microplastics in the modern world, you can take specific steps to lower your daily intake.

• Filter Your Water: Use a high-quality water filter (such as a reverse osmosis system) rather than drinking from plastic bottles. Studies consistently show higher plastic counts in bottled water than in tap water.
• Avoid Heating Plastic: Never microwave food in plastic containers. Heat causes plastic to break down and leach chemicals and particles into food. Use glass or ceramic instead.
• Choose Natural Fibers: When possible, buy clothing made from cotton, wool, or linen. Synthetic fabrics shed millions of microfibers in the wash, which eventually enter the water supply and the air in your home.
• Dust Regularly: Microplastics settle in household dust. Vacuuming with a HEPA filter and wet-dusting surfaces can reduce the amount of plastic you inhale at home.
• Limit Single-Use Plastics: Reduce the use of plastic straws, cutlery, and takeout containers. The less plastic that degrades in the environment, the less that eventually ends up in the food chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the damage from microplastics reversible? Currently, there is no known medical procedure to “detox” or remove microplastics from the bloodstream or organs once they are there. The medical focus is on prevention and managing the inflammation caused by the particles.

Do all types of plastic cause heart problems? The 2024 study specifically identified polyethylene and PVC in arterial plaque. However, this does not mean other plastics are safe; these were simply the two most prevalent types found in this specific group of patients.

Can a blood test detect microplastics? There is currently no standard clinical blood test available at a doctor’s office to measure your microplastic load. The detection methods used in the study required analyzing surgically removed tissue with highly specialized laboratory equipment.

Did the people with plastic in their arteries have other health issues? The study noted that patients with plastic in their plaque were more likely to be younger, male, and smokers compared to the group without plastic. However, the 4.5 times increased risk of heart attack and stroke applied even after adjusting for these factors.