A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has revealed a troubling link between microplastics and heart health. Scientists analyzed arterial plaque from 257 patients undergoing surgery to clear blockages in the neck arteries and found that microplastics were present in about 60% of participants’ plaques.
The research showed that patients with microplastics lodged in their arteries were four times more likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke, or death within three years. Elevated levels of inflammation, an established contributor to heart disease, were also observed in these individuals.
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are increasingly present in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. They have a tendency to accumulate in highly vascular structures, including the heart and blood vessels. Studies have shown that exposure to microplastics can trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and abnormal heart rates.
To reduce your exposure to microplastics, experts recommend filtering your drinking water using reverse osmosis filters, avoiding plastic packaging, cutting back on synthetic textiles, reducing single-use plastics, and checking personal care products for microbeads. By taking these steps, you may not only protect your arteries but also contribute to broader environmental sustainability.
Source: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/plastic-in-arteries-research-links-microplastic-to-heart-disease