Doctors and scientists are concerned about the impact plastics have on human health as well as the environment. A new study also found a potential link between microplastics and heart attacks and strokes.

Once plastic enters the environment, humans can inhale or ingest it. Additionally, just as plastic takes centuries to break down on Earth, plastic does not easily break down in our bodies and can accumulate over time.

Studies have already detected microplastics in organs ranging from the lungs to the placenta.

In the latest research, Published in New England Journal of Medicine last month, The study involved more than 250 people with carotid artery disease who had undergone surgery to remove plaque buildup from their carotid arteries, the main arteries that supply blood to the brain in the neck.

More than half (58%) of these patients had microplastics or even smaller nanoplastics in their major arteries, and those who had them experienced a heart attack, stroke, or death within about 34 months after surgery. 4.5 times more likely than other patients. People who don’t have plastic in their arteries.

The researchers collected plaque samples from 257 patients during surgery and performed chemical analysis. The researchers found that microplastics and nanoplastics, mainly polyethylene (in all 150 patients) and polyvinyl chloride (in 31 patients), were present in the arterial plaques of 150 people.

These are the two most commonly used plastics in the world. Researchers searched for 11 of his pieces of plastic.

Polyethylene is commonly used for packaging such as plastic bags and containers. Polyvinyl chloride is a more versatile plastic used in everything from medical equipment to window frames and flooring.

In addition to having a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, researchers also found that people with microplastics in their plaque samples had higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers.

But researchers also found that people with microplastics in their plaque also exhibit other risk factors, such as smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart and circulatory disease, all of which put them at risk for heart attack and stroke in the first place. He pointed out that it was increasing the

Additionally, all study participants had previously undergone carotid artery surgery and were known to have carotid artery disease, making it difficult to determine whether the results of this study can be generalized to a broader population. is too early.

Furthermore, the researchers stressed that this study does not prove that microplastics cause heart attacks or strokes, only that there is a potential link.

Dr. Steve Nissen, a heart expert at the Cleveland Clinic, said: told The Independent Although the study is “interesting,” it has “important limitations.”

He said: “This is probably a wake-up call that we need to take the issue of microplastics more seriously. As a cause of heart disease? Not proven. As a potential cause? Yeah, probably. “

heart function

This is not the first study to examine the relationship between plastic and human health.similar separate studies Published in Environment International earlier this year They also investigated the effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on the cardiovascular system and found that these plastics “affect cardiac function and cause toxicity in (micro)vascular sites.”

Effects include abnormal heart rate, cardiac dysfunction, pericardial edema, and myocardial fibrosis, as well as hemolysis, thrombosis, blood clotting, and vascular endothelial damage.

The latest research comes amid a global effort led by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). conclude a plastics agreement Contribute to eliminating plastic pollution by the end of the year.

The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-4), will be held from April 23 to 29 in Ottawa, Canada. It is planned that

Image credit: University of Oregon.