Previous studies have linked people’s exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) to health problems. MNPs are used in a variety of products, including food containers, cosmetics, and drinking water.

Now, a recent analysis of carotid artery plaques in 257 patients suggests that participants whose plaques contained MNPs were at increased risk for cardiovascular problems. The patients were 18 to 75 years old, had asymptomatic arterial disease, and were scheduled for carotid endarterectomy.

People with detectable MNP in their carotid arteries were about 4.5 times more likely to have a myocardial infarction, stroke, or die from any cause after nearly three years of follow-up than those without. Approximately 58% of participants had polyethylene present in their carotid plaques, and approximately 12% had polyvinyl chloride. The researchers noted that previous studies have found evidence of these two widely used plastics in breast milk and urine. New England Medical Journal.

The study was observational, meaning the researchers could not conclude that exposure to MNPs caused poor cardiovascular disease. This finding may reflect exposure to other unmeasured variables during patients’ lifetimes that influence this association, the researchers wrote.

Published online: March 29, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.3707