Microplastics are everywhere—and that's not good news.
A recent study of 200 participants undergoing surgery showed that almost 58% of them had microplastics or nanoplastics (which are smaller than microplastics) in a main artery—and the individuals who had microplastics in their main arteries had a 450% higher likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke or even dying within 34 months of their surgery.
If this sounds scary, that's because it is . We talked to cardiologists to try to understand the ramifications of microplastics on our heart health, as well as how we can mitigate any potential damage from them.
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What Are Microplastics?
"Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic that measure less than 5 millimeters in size. Some microplastics are intentionally manufactured small particles, used in everyday products like cosmetics, while others are formed when larger plastic items break down due to environmental exposures, including sunlight or ocean waves," Dr. Rigved V. Tadwalkar, MD , board-certified cardiologist and medical director of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., told Parade . "These plastic fragments are tiny and incredibly persistent in the environment, resisting degradation and accumulating in ecosystems over time."
There are also nanoplastics, which are even tinier than microplastics—too small to see with the naked eye. (Just how small? Nanoplastics are usually between one and 1,000 nanometers across. An average strand of human hair is typically 80,000 to 100,000 nanometers wide, according to Mohan Qin , assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at University of Wisconsin-Madison.)
"Because plastics are a major part of our everyday lives, these microplastics are found pretty much everywhere," Dr. Tadwalkar explained.
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How Are We Exposed to Microplastics?
We're ripping off a big, painful band-aid here: If you eat, drink or breathe, chances are you've been exposed to microplastics.
"They are nearly impossible to avoid," Dr. Tadwalkar noted. "Evidence suggests that they enter our bodies through ingestion, as well as inhalation. The effect is significant on major organs, including the cardiovascular system."
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How Do Microplastics Impact Our Bodies?
According to Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, MD , board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, Calif., we're still learning about the full impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on our health, but so far what we know is that they certainly aren't making any of us feel better or live longer.
"Microplastics have been found throughout the body, including the blood, liver and kidneys. We are only now beginning to understand its impact on human health," Dr. Chen said. "Initial studies in cells and animal models seem to show that they can affect inflammation, DNA damage and lipid metabolism. Much more research is ongoing to tie microplastics to adverse health outcomes."
Dr. Tadwalkar expounded, "Once microplastics enter the body, they can circulate through the bloodstream and lodge in tissues. This includes the heart. Research has found these very tiny particles in human blood and the lungs. One of the big concerns is their potential to cause chronic inflammation, oxidative stress and damage at the cellular level."
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How Do Microplastics Impact Heart Health?
We actually have some hard data for this one. "In the cardiovascular system specifically, microplastics can interact with the atherosclerotic plaques that build up in arteries that already lead to heart disease," Dr. Tadwalkar explained. "A recent landmark study found microplastic particles in the plaque of people undergoing carotid artery surgery to reduce stroke risk. Those who had plastic in their arterial plaque were significantly more likely to suffer from heart attacks, strokes, or even die. Although the exact mechanisms are still under investigation, it is believed that microplastics might even contribute to plaque rupture, which can block arteries and cause events like heart attacks."
Dr. Chen added that it's possible that microplastics and nanoplastics circulating within our body can trigger inflammation, which can also adversely affect heart health.
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How Worried Should We Be About Microplastics and Heart Health?
This is a tricky one, because microplastics are probably bad news, but there's also little we can do about them right now, especially since more research is needed. What's more, excess stress is also really bad for heart health— that much has been long documented.
"It is too early to panic, but we should be concerned," Dr. Tadwalkar admitted. "The study that found microplastics in arterial plaques and linked them to an increased risk of cardiovascular events is a novel and groundbreaking one. While the study does not definitively prove that microplastics are causing these cardiovascular problems, it highlights a worrying association that demands further investigation. We are still trying to figure out whether it is the microplastics themselves, or other factors, like lifestyle and environmental conditions, that contribute to these outcomes. Nonetheless, given that microplastics can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, it is totally reasonable for us to be cautious."
Dr. Chen said the current findings suggest we should likely at least try to limit our exposure to microplastics to protect our hearts and overall health.
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How Can We Limit Our Exposure to Microplastics?
To put it simply? Not very much. Experts we spoke with agreed that microplastics are largely unavoidable in today's world, especially if you live in industrial or urban areas.
"It will take a global effort to reduce our plastic waste and to develop sustainable alternatives that can replace our dependency on plastics," Dr. Chen said.
This means voting for candidates in local, state and federal elections who prioritize sustainability can be a big part of making long-term change, but there's more you can do on an individual level.
"Minimizing ingestion is key," Dr. Tadwalkar said. "One way would be to use a water filter that is designed to catch microplastics. Additionally, opting for fresh, unpackaged foods and/or avoiding excessive use of single-use plastics, including bottled water and plastic-wrapped products, may also reduce exposure."
"We also want to be mindful of household practices, such as limiting the use of plastic containers for food storage and washing synthetic fabrics less frequently, because they can shed microplastics during laundry," Dr. Tadwalkar added.
While these measures won't completely eliminate the problem of microplastics, you can still manage your own personal risk—and that of future generations—by making smart, sustainable choices now.
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