Summary Nearly 84pc of patients suffering an active, severe heart attack had detectable micro- and nanoplastics in their blood
(Web Desk) - A new medical study has found a possible link between the presence of microplastics in the bloodstream and an increased risk of heart attacks.
Commenting on research conducted in Italy, Dr Craig Baseman, an interventional cardiologist at Hackensack University Medical Center in the United States, said microplastic particles had been detected in the blood of patients who suffered heart attacks.
According to Dr Baseman, the findings point to a possible association between microplastic exposure and cardiovascular disease.
He said microplastics were now found almost everywhere in the environment, making complete avoidance difficult. However, reducing the use of plastic, particularly plastic containers for food and beverages, and limiting exposure to environmental pollution could help reduce people’s exposure to microplastics.
Experts cautioned that while the study found an association between microplastics in the blood and severe heart attacks, it did not establish that the particles directly cause heart attacks.
They said further research would be required to determine whether microplastics play a direct role in cardiovascular disease.
