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(NewsNation) — A pioneering study suggests a striking link between severe heart attacks and elevated levels of microplastics and nanoplastics found in the bloodstream.
In Italy, scientists diligently examined blood samples from the coronary arteries of 61 individuals subjected to angiograms. They uncovered that an alarming 84% of those in the throes of an acute, severe heart attack had discernible amounts of these tiny plastic particles in their blood.
By comparison, plastic particles were found in 40% of patients with chronic heart disease and just 32% of those with normal coronary arteries.
Polyethylene, a common plastic used in bags and bottles, was detected in 97% of patients who tested positive for microplastics or nanoplastics.
Researchers also found that a history of smoking was associated with the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in the bloodstream. They suggested smoking may make it easier for the particles to enter the body through the lungs. Air pollution may have a similar effect.
“These findings do not prove that microplastics cause heart attacks, but they reveal a strong association between environmental exposures, microplastics in the blood and cardiovascular disease,” lead researcher Emanuele Barbato said.