A new study from Italian researchers suggests that patients suffering severe heart attacks are far more likely to have micro- and nanoplastics circulating in their blood than patients with more stable cardiac conditions.
Blood samples drawn from the coronary arteries of 61 patients undergoing angiograms showed detectable plastic particles in nearly 84% of those experiencing an active, severe heart attack, the study showed. By comparison, plastics were found in 40% of patients with chronic heart disease and 32% of those with normal coronary arteries.
The research, published in the European Heart Journal, was led by Dr. Raffaele Marfella of the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in Naples. Polyethylene, a material commonly used in plastic bags and bottles, was identified in 97% of the patients who tested positive for plastic particles.
Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com in New York City who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital the results add to a growing body of work examining plastics and cardiovascular health.
“This study adds to emerging research showing the potential role of micro- and nanoplastics in heart disease,” Routhenstein said.
She cautioned, however, that the study does not demonstrate causation.
“While these findings are interesting and highlight the importance of paying attention to environmental factors that may contribute to inflammation and blood vessel injury, they do not prove that plastics cause heart attacks,” she said.
Routhenstein noted the results echo earlier work that found microplastics in arterial plaque, but she pointed to several limitations.
“This was an observational study, so it can only show an association, not cause and effect,” she said, per Fox News. “It also included a relatively small group of patients from one country, so we can’t assume the findings apply to everyone.”
A history of smoking was the strongest single predictor of detectable plastic particles in the blood, according to the study.
“Factors like smoking and air pollution are also linked to cardiovascular disease and higher plastic exposure, making it difficult to separate the independent effects of microplastics,” Routhenstein said.
Routhenstein recommended that people review their daily habits and consider simple changes to limit plastic exposure.
“I would take inventory of your regular sources of microplastic exposure and see where you can reduce or swap them for better alternatives,” she said. “For example, replace plastic food storage containers with glass ones.”
She also urged caution when heating food or drinking bottled water.
“When microwaving or reheating food, use glass or ceramic containers instead of plastic,” she said. “It’s also a good idea to limit plastic water bottles and single-use plastic containers, especially when they’re exposed to heat.”
“Think of reducing plastic exposure as one piece of an overall heart-healthy lifestyle,” she added.
Provided by Dallas Express
