Plastic Particles Found in Over Half of Artery Plaques, Study Shows

Plastics have permeated various aspects of the environment, including the human body, where microplastic fragments are now found in critical organs such as the placenta. This pervasive presence has prompted urgent research into the potential health risks associated with microplastics.

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A recent Italian study revealed that more than 50% of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, a surgical procedure to remove fatty deposits from arteries, had microplastics embedded in the extracted plaques. This finding has raised concerns about the impact of these plastics on human health, particularly cardiovascular health.

The study, led by medical researcher Raffaele Marfella at the University of Campania, tracked 257 patients over 34 months. Researchers discovered that 60% of these patients had detectable levels of polyethylene—a common plastic used in packaging and bottles—in their arterial plaques. Additionally, 12% of the patients had traces of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic used in various consumer products, including pipes and bottles.

The presence of these plastics was linked to a significantly higher incidence of cardiovascular events. Patients with microplastics in their plaques were 4.5 times more likely to suffer a stroke, a non-fatal heart attack, or die from any cause compared to those without microplastics.

The detection of microplastics involved advanced techniques such as pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and stable isotopes analysis, which helped distinguish between organic human tissue and synthetic materials. Further microscopic examination revealed plastic fragments within immune cells and fatty deposits, accompanied by elevated levels of inflammatory markers in those with microplastics.

Although the study primarily indicates a correlation rather than causation, it underscores the urgent need for more research to explore how microplastics contribute to cardiovascular disease and other health issues. The findings also highlight the importance of addressing plastic Pollution and its widespread environmental and health implications. The study, a significant step in understanding the health impacts of microplastics, has been published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

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