Microplastics in Arteries: Plaque & Heart Health Risk
- People with plaque in their neck arteries have more microplastic pollution in those vessels compared to individuals with healthy arteries, according to research presented at the American Heart...
- Micronanoplastics, tiny plastic particles from industrial processes or the breakdown of larger plastics, are common in the habitat.
- A 2024 Italian study found microplastics in plaque from asymptomatic individuals undergoing carotid artery plaque removal.
New research spotlights the alarming link between microplastics in arteries and increased stroke risk. This groundbreaking study, presented at the American Heart Association, found significantly higher levels of microplastic pollution in individuals with plaque buildup, especially those who suffered strokes. micronanoplastics, common in our surroundings and ofen ingested through food and water, appear to be a potential threat to heart health. News Directory 3 brings you this crucial examination, revealing that microplastic concentration in carotid arteries was drastically higher in those with stroke symptoms. The findings suggest these particles may also affect gene activity. Discover what’s next as scientists further investigate the effects on cardiovascular health.
Microplastics in Arteries Linked to Increased Stroke Risk
Updated May 31, 2025
People with plaque in their neck arteries have more microplastic pollution in those vessels compared to individuals with healthy arteries, according to research presented at the American Heart Association’s vascular Discovery 2025 Scientific Sessions. The study found this increase was significantly higher in those who had experienced a stroke,mini-stroke,or temporary vision loss due to blocked blood vessels.
Micronanoplastics, tiny plastic particles from industrial processes or the breakdown of larger plastics, are common in the habitat. These particles, a mixture of micro and nano sizes, can easily disperse and penetrate living cells. Ross Clark,a vascular surgeon-scientist at the University of New mexico,noted that the primary source of these plastics is the food and water people consume.
A 2024 Italian study found microplastics in plaque from asymptomatic individuals undergoing carotid artery plaque removal. Those with microplastics in their plaque were more likely to experience death, heart attack, or stroke within three years.
The current study compared microplastic levels in carotid arteries across three groups: those with healthy arteries, those with plaque but no symptoms, and those with symptoms from plaque buildup. Researchers also assessed the effects of microplastics on inflammation markers and immune cell activity.
The analysis revealed that microplastic concentration in carotid arteries was 16 times higher in plaque from asymptomatic individuals (895 micrograms/gram) compared to healthy artery walls (57 micrograms/gram). In those who had experienced stroke, mini-stroke, or vision loss, the concentration was 51 times higher (2,888 micrograms/gram) than in healthy samples (57 micrograms/gram).
Further analysis found no direct link between microplastic quantity and sudden inflammation. However, differences emerged in gene activity within plaque-stabilizing cells and reduced activity in anti-inflammatory genes of plaque macrophage immune cells.
“These findings indicate that the biological effects of micronanoplastics on fatty deposits are more complex and nuanced than simply causing sudden inflammation,” Clark said.
Clark emphasized the importance of studying the effects of these materials on the body but cautioned against drawing premature conclusions.he noted that a full understanding of the biological effects will take years.
the study acknowledges limitations, including the inability to definitively prove that microplastics caused carotid artery disease symptoms. The method used to measure plastic in biological samples may also have limitations due to the breakdown of biological samples into similar molecules.
“It’s very vital to study what these materials do to our bodies. However, we should be cautious about the early results of this study. We won’t fully understand the biological effects for many years to come,” Clark said.
Karen L. Furie, volunteer vice chair of the American Heart Association Stroke Brain Health Science Subcommittee, called the study “engaging and troubling,” suggesting that microplastic exposure could be a novel target for stroke prevention.
“This is a very interesting and troubling study. To date,we have not considered exposure to plastic micronanoparticles a modifiable risk factor for stroke…this association presents a novel potential target for stroke prevention,” said Furie.
What’s next
The researchers plan to further investigate the immunological effects of microplastics in clogged arteries to better understand their impact on cardiovascular health.