Patients who suffer heart attack have more micro and nanoplastic in their blood - European Society of Cardiology
A new study published in the European Heart Journal links higher levels of micro and nanoplastics in the blood to serious heart attacks. Researchers found that environmental factors like smoking and air pollution correlate with increased plastic particle presence in the cardiovascular system.
Why it matters
This research provides critical evidence regarding the long-term cardiovascular risks posed by environmental microplastic pollution.
Researchers measured levels of plastic in the blood supplying the heart.
Levels were highest in heart attack patients, compared to other patients.
Smokers and people exposed to polluted air also had higher levels.
Sophia Antipolis, France - 15 July 2026: People who have suffered a serious heart attack had higher levels of micro and nanoplastics in their blood, compared to patients diagnosed with chronic ischemic heart disease and those who have normal blood vessels supplying the heart, according to a study published in the European Heart Journal [1] today (Wednesday).
The study also revealed that people who smoke and people exposed to higher levels of air pollution had higher levels of micro and nanoplastics in their blood.
The researchers say the study adds to growing evidence that environmental pollution may affect cardiovascular health.
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