The Dangers of Microplastics in Arteries: Increased Risk of Heart Disease, Stroke, and Death

2024-03-22 10:17:00

Researchers found that “Microplastics” or tiny pieces of plastic that accumulate in the fat inside human arteries. May cause heart disease risk. Stroke and have a higher death rate

Research by Dr. Raffael Marfella from the University of Campania in Italy found that 58% of patients undergoing carotid artery surgery had That serves to send blood to the brain, face, and neck. There are small plastic parts, both microplastic and various plastics. Especially plasticPolyethylene (PE) andpolyvinyl chloride (PVC) mixed in the blood vessels

“Polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride are used in a variety of applications, including food containers, cosmetics and even water pipes,” the study authors said in a paper published in The New England Journal. of Medicine

“Microplastics” increase the risk of “heart disease”

At follow-up after 34 months, 20% of people with plasticity in their arteries had a heart attack. Stroke or death from any cause is 4.5 times higher than people without plastic in their bodies, without considering other individual risk factors.

The researchers also found that patients with plasticity in the fat inside their arteries and may increase the risk of heart disease. Cerebral artery disease and more fatalities as well

blockage of arteries Especially the arteries in the neck It is considered a dangerous sign of stroke and heart disease. Because when the arteries in the neck are clogged from fat Blood will flow to the brain less. This can result in a stroke or death.

“I have been a cardiologist for 30 years and never thought there would be microplastics in our arteries. And its presence accelerates atherosclerosis,” said Dr. Eric Topol, a cardiologist and executive vice president of Scripps Research in the US.

He also noted that these microplastics exist everywhere, at all times, whether in drinking water, food, and in the air, which can easily enter the body.

Previously, there were many studies that Many types of microplastics and nanoplastics have been detected in human tissues. Including the colon, liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and placenta.

Experiments in mice have shown that microplastics can induce inflammation in heart cells. Resulting in the efficiency of the heart being reduced. irregular heartbeat which may occur in the human body

However, the study was a small group, initially consisting of 304 patients, but only 257 completed the study process. More research is therefore needed to determine whether microplastics pose a danger to human health.

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Eliminate plastic, reduce “microplastics”

Dr. Philip Landrigan, one of the study’s co-authors, said: “We need to recognize that even though plastic is cheap and convenient, In fact, those plastics can cause harm to us.

“We need to get patients to reduce their use of plastic. Especially unnecessary single-use plastics. The international focus must be on limiting the use of plastics, which is one of the problems facing climate change,” Dr Landrigan said.

In the 2022 report of the World Health Organization It said ingesting and inhaling microplastics has long-term effects on human health. And plastic doesn’t belong in the environment. Urgent measures should be taken to reduce the amount of plastic.

Global Treaty on Plastics (Global treaty on plastic) will be adopted by 175 countries by 2025, aiming to reduce plastic pollution to net zero by 2040 and limit microplastic exposure globally. especially in middle- and low-income countries and children. This treaty is still in the process of drafting a plan.

At the same time, many countries have begun piloting the problem of plastic waste. By banning single-use plastics and plastic bags are already

Source: Euro News, Reuters, The Conversation, USA Today