Microplastics in Arteries: New Study Links Plastic Plaque to Heart Risks

For years, scientists have known that microplastics permeate our oceans, soil, and food supply. A groundbreaking study has now confirmed that these tiny particles are not just passing through our systems. They are embedding themselves in our arteries. Recent research published in the New England Journal of Medicine provides the first concrete evidence that microplastics found in arterial plaque are directly linked to a significantly higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.

The Landmark Study Explained

In March 2024, researchers from the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in Italy published a defining study that changed how the medical community views plastic pollution. The team, led by Dr. Raffaele Marfella, examined 304 patients who were undergoing a carotid endarterectomy. This is a surgical procedure used to remove built-up plaque from the carotid arteries, which are the main blood vessels that supply blood to the brain.

The researchers analyzed the removed plaque to see what it contained. The results were startling. They detected measurable amounts of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) within the fatty deposits of the arteries in a majority of the patients. This was not a theoretical model or an animal study; this was direct human evidence.

The Specific Data

The findings offered specific, concerning numbers regarding human contamination:

  • Prevalence: Of the patients studied, 58.4% had measurable amounts of polyethylene in their arterial plaque.
  • Secondary Plastics: Additionally, 12.1% of the patients also had polyvinyl chloride (PVC) alongside the polyethylene.
  • Particle Nature: These were jagged, foreign particles embedded deep within the tissue, visible under electron microscopes.

A 4.5 Times Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Events

The presence of plastic was not benign. The most alarming part of the study was the follow-up. The researchers tracked 257 of these patients for an average of 34 months after their surgery. They wanted to see if the presence of plastic correlated with their future health outcomes.

The results showed a drastic difference between patients with plastics in their plaque and those without. Patients with microplastics or nanoplastics in their arterial plaque were 4.5 times more likely to suffer a heart attack, a stroke, or death from any cause during the follow-up period compared to those whose plaque was plastic-free.

To put this in perspective, typical risk factors like high cholesterol or high blood pressure increase risk significantly, but a 450% increase associated with a single environmental factor is massive. This suggests that microplastics may be a critical, previously overlooked risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Why Plastic Causes Heart Problems

You might wonder why a piece of plastic in an artery is dangerous. The danger does not come from the plastic blocking the blood flow physically, but rather from how the body reacts to it. The study highlights inflammation as the primary mechanism.

When microplastics lodge in arterial plaque, the body recognizes them as foreign invaders. The immune system responds by sending macrophages (a type of white blood cell) to attack the particles. However, the macrophages cannot break down the plastic.

This failed attack results in chronic, persistent inflammation.

  • Plaque Instability: Inflamed plaque is softer and more friable (crumbly). It is more likely to rupture.
  • Clot Formation: When plaque ruptures, it releases debris into the bloodstream, which can cause a sudden blood clot. If this clot blocks an artery to the heart, it causes a heart attack; if it blocks an artery to the brain, it causes a stroke.

The researchers found higher levels of inflammatory markers (specifically Interleukin-18 and Interleukin-1?) in the patients with plastic-laden plaque. This confirms that the plastics were actively irritating the arterial walls.

Types of Plastics Found and Their Sources

The study identified two specific types of plastic: Polyethylene and Polyvinyl Chloride. Understanding what these are helps identify where the exposure comes from.

Polyethylene (PE)

This was the most common plastic found, appearing in nearly 60% of patients. Polyethylene is the most widely produced plastic in the world. It is used in:

  • Single-use plastic shopping bags.
  • Clear food wrap and films.
  • Plastic bottles and containers.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Found in roughly 12% of patients, PVC is a rigid or flexible plastic used in:

  • Water pipes and plumbing materials.
  • Plastic flooring (vinyl).
  • Synthetic leather and clothing.

These particles enter the human body through ingestion (eating and drinking), inhalation (breathing in dust and fibers), and potentially skin absorption. Once in the bloodstream, they can settle in areas of vascular turbulence, such as the plaque building up in carotid arteries.

Reducing Your Exposure

While it is impossible to avoid microplastics entirely, you can take concrete steps to lower your daily load. Reducing the amount of plastic entering your body may help reduce the inflammatory burden on your cardiovascular system.

  1. Filter Your Water: Standard pitcher filters often miss nanoplastics. Consider installing a reverse osmosis system or using a gravity filter certified to remove micro-contaminants.
  2. Avoid Heating Plastic: Never microwave food in plastic containers. Heat causes plastics to shed chemicals and particles into food. Use glass or ceramic instead.
  3. Ditch Plastic Bottles: Switch to stainless steel or glass water bottles. A 2018 study found that 93% of bottled water showed some sign of microplastic contamination.
  4. Vacuum Regularly: A significant amount of microplastic exposure comes from inhaling dust in our homes, which contains fibers from carpets, upholstery, and clothing. A vacuum with a HEPA filter can trap these particles effectively.
  5. Choose Natural Fibers: Polyester and nylon clothing shed millions of microfibers in the wash. Wearing cotton, wool, or linen reduces the amount of plastic dust you generate and inhale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the body remove microplastics naturally? The human body has limited mechanisms to remove solid plastic particles. While the liver and kidneys filter toxins, solid microplastics and nanoplastics can bypass these filters or become lodged in tissues, as seen in the carotid artery study. The immune system attacks them but cannot dissolve them.

How small are the plastics found in arteries? The study detected both microplastics (less than 5 millimeters) and nanoplastics (less than 1 micrometer). Nanoplastics are particularly dangerous because they are small enough to pass through cell membranes and enter the bloodstream directly from the gut or lungs.

Does this affect younger people? The study focused on patients undergoing surgery who were generally older (average age around 70). However, microplastics accumulate over time. Exposure begins in infancy, so reducing exposure is vital at every age to prevent accumulation that could lead to issues later in life.

Is there a medical test to check my plastic levels? Currently, there is no standard blood test available to the public that quantifies the level of microplastics in your arteries. The detection in the study required analyzing surgically removed tissue with advanced electron microscopes.