A recent study conducted by researchers in Naples has revealed that the presence of microscopic plastics in blood vessels is associated with a substantially increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and premature death. The findings have raised concerns among doctors about the potentially life-threatening effects of plastic pollution on human health.

The research, carried out at the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in Naples, involved examining fatty plaques removed from the blood vessels of patients with arterial disease. Shockingly, more than half of the samples analyzed were found to be contaminated with microscopic particles of polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that individuals whose plaques contained microplastics or nanoplastics were nearly five times more likely to experience a stroke, heart attack, or death from any cause within the following 34 months. However, it is important to note that the presence of plastic particles alone does not prove they are the direct cause of these cardiovascular events. Other factors associated with higher exposure to plastic pollution may also contribute to the increased risk.

Dr. Raffaele Marfella, the lead author of the study, highlighted the implications of these findings for cardiovascular health. He emphasized the urgent need for prevention by reducing plastic production, as plastic pollution has become ubiquitous and poses a substantial threat to human well-being. However, even if significant efforts were made to reduce plastic pollution, the health benefits would not be immediately observable due to the widespread nature of the issue.

The study was prompted by an observed rise in strokes and heart attacks among patients who were previously considered to be at low risk. Concerned about the involvement of plastic pollution in damaging blood vessels through inflammation, Marfella and his team sought to investigate further.

The researchers analyzed fatty plaques from 304 individuals with atherosclerosis, a condition that affects the carotid arteries, the main blood vessels supplying the neck, face, and brain. The presence of polyethylene was found in 150 patients, while polyvinyl chloride was detected in 31 patients. Additionally, signs of inflammation were evident in these plaques. Further examination using an electron microscope revealed the presence of tiny foreign particles.

To assess the long-term impact, the doctors followed 257 patients after they had their carotid plaques removed. Remarkably, those individuals who had plastic particles in their plaques were 4.5 times more likely to experience a stroke, heart attack, or death from any cause compared to those without plastic contamination.

Dr. Marfella expressed his surprise at the discovery of plastics in the plaques and expressed concern about the potential impact on cardiovascular health. These findings may offer an explanation for the occurrence of "residual cardiovascular risk," observed in a significant number of patients who have been treated for common risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes, but still go on to experience heart attacks and strokes.

While more research is necessary to confirm the role of plastic pollution in cardiovascular events, Dr. Marfella stressed the importance of raising awareness about the potential dangers. He called for individuals and governments to prioritize the health of the planet, emphasizing the slogan "plastic-free is healthy for the heart and the Earth."

Professor Holly Shiels from the University of Manchester also echoed the need for further attention to be given to the impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on plaque formation and coronary heart disease. She suggested that these particles, along with the toxins they carry, could potentially trigger events leading to the development of atherosclerosis.

As the world grapples with the pervasive issue of plastic pollution, this study serves as a wake-up call to prioritize the reduction of plastic production to protect both human health and the environment.