As of: March 27, 2024, 6:30 p.m
By: Laura Knops
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In a recent study, scientists found microplastics in people's arteries. This has serious health consequences.
Microscopic plastic particles are not only found in water or on Mount Everest, the plastics can now also be detected in the human body. Due to their tiny size, the particles can easily penetrate tissue - probably with serious consequences for health. There are fears that the plastic could cause inflammation and other health problems in the body. Italian researchers have now examined the acute risks in a recent study. The results were published in the
New England Journal of Medicine
.
Microplastics in the body increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases
Scientists have already been able to detect plastic in the human body in previous studies. Now, for the first time, they have identified a connection between cardiovascular diseases and plastic particles. © Image Source/Imago
The scientists from Italy have now been able to prove for the first time what had long been just speculation: As part of their study, the researchers found tiny fragments of microplastic in fatty deposits that were surgically removed during an operation. The test subjects had a higher risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke and a higher risk of dying than people without microplastics in their bodies.
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While most studies have so far only focused on the effects of microplastics in mini replicas of organs and in mice, the results cannot be completely transferred to humans. The concentrations of microplastics used in these studies also appear to be significantly lower than is actually the case.
Current study: plastic particles found in veins
In recent years in particular, researchers have observed an increase in cardiovascular events in patients they would normally have classified as low-risk. That's why the Naples team examined the fatty cholesterol deposits, also called plaques, from 257 patients who had undergone surgery to remove plaque in the arteries that carry blood to the brain.
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They found micro- or nanoplastics in more than 50 percent of the samples, Raffaele Marfella, lead author of the study and cardiology researcher at the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, told
Business Insider.
In the subsequent observation period of 34 months, the researchers also observed that affected subjects were almost five times more likely to suffer a non-fatal heart attack, stroke or death.
Plaque in young men also contains particles
The researchers also found microplastics in the dental plaque of young men. Those affected were mostly younger, male, smoked, had diabetes, cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol levels. In addition to the microplastics, the scientists also found biomarkers for inflammation. This could be an indication that microplastics in the bloodstream worsen inflammation and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, writes the science magazine
New Scientist
.
“Unfortunately, plastic contamination of human tissue is not unique but widespread. Their likely impact on cardiovascular health is worrying,” Raffaele Marfella told
New Scientist.
Although the study does not prove a direct connection between microplastics and cardiovascular disease, it does show that plastic particles can actually enter the bloodstream and become lodged in tissue.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.