Study finds alarming level of microplastics in heart attack patients’ blood

Healthcare Study finds alarming level of microplastics in heart attack patients’ blood Comments: by Jordan Perkins - 07/28/26 1:34 PM ET Comments: Link copied by Jordan Perkins - 07/28/26 1:34 PM ET Comments: Link copied

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(NewsNation) — People who experience severe heart attacks may have higher concentrations of microplastics and nanoplastics in their blood, according to a recent study.

Researchers in Italy analyzed blood samples from the coronary arteries of 61 patients undergoing angiograms and found that 84 percent of patients experiencing an active, severe heart attack had detectable levels of microplastics and nanoplastics in their blood.

By comparison, plastic particles were found in 40 percent of patients with chronic heart disease and just 32 percent of those with normal coronary arteries.

Polyethylene, a common plastic used in bags and bottles, was detected in 97 percent of patients who tested positive for microplastics or nanoplastics.

Researchers also found that a history of smoking was associated with the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in the bloodstream. They suggested smoking may make it easier for the particles to enter the body through the lungs. Air pollution may have a similar effect.

“These findings do not prove that microplastics cause heart attacks, but they reveal a strong association between environmental exposures, microplastics in the blood and cardiovascular disease,” lead researcher Emanuele Barbato said.

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