A groundbreaking study has discovered a higher risk of cardiovascular events like myocardial infarction, stroke, or death in patients with microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) detected in carotid artery plaque. Conducted on 304 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy for asymptomatic carotid artery disease, the research revealed that 58.4% of the plaques contained polyethylene, with a significant portion also showing polyvinyl chloride. The presence of these plastics was linked to a quadruple increase in the risk of cardiovascular events compared to patients without MNPs in their plaques. This study, pivotal in its findings, indicates the potential health risks associated with MNPs, underscoring the urgent need for further research and preventive measures against plastic pollution.
Our mission: To reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.