Researchers analyzed plaque samples from 257 patients undergoing preventive surgery to remove plaque from their carotid arteries. They discovered that 150 of these patients had microplastics and nanoplastics in their arterial plaque, primarily fragments of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride.
Link Between Microplastics/Nanoplastics and Increased Health Risks
A statistical analysis revealed that patients with microplastics and nanoplastics in their plaque had a higher risk of stroke or death from any cause compared to those without these particles in their plaque. These findings suggest that an accumulation of nanoplastics and microplastics in carotid plaque could potentially trigger inflammation, altering the behavior of plaque in the body and increasing the likelihood of blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.