New Research Finds Microplastics in Blood of Most Acute Heart Attack Patients

Italian researchers analyzed blood from 61 patients undergoing angiograms and found micro- and nanoplastics in about 84% of those having an active, severe heart attack, far more than in those with chronic heart disease (40%) or normal arteries (32%). Polyethylene appeared in 97% of plastics-positive cases, and smoking was the strongest predictor of detectable plastic particles. The study, published in the European Heart Journal, shows an association rather than causation and is limited by size and scope; experts say reducing daily plastic exposure (e.g., using glass/ceramic containers and avoiding heating plastic) may be prudent as part of overall heart-healthy practices.