0
0
A groundbreaking study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has revealed a concerning association between plastic particles found in carotid artery plaques and an increased risk of death or major cardiovascular events.
Conducted by researchers led by Dr. Raffaele Marfella from the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy, the study analyzed 304 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy for asymptomatic carotid artery disease. Excised plaque specimens were examined for the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics, with nearly 60% of patients showing evidence of these particles.
The findings were alarming. Patients with detectable microplastics and nanoplastics within their plaques had a staggering 4.5 times higher risk for a composite endpoint of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, or stroke compared to those without these particles (hazard ratio, 4.53; 95% CI, 2.00-10.27; P < .001).
Study co-author Dr. Antonio Ceriello of IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, emphasized the significance of these results, stating, “I believe we have demonstrated that plastics are a new risk factor for cardiovascular disease. While plastics may have made our lives easier in many respects, it appears that the price we are paying for that is a shortening of our lives. That is not a good balance.”
Despite the strong association found in the study, it does not prove causality, and other factors may have contributed to the observed outcomes. However, the study controlled for many important risk factors, including diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.
Dr. Ceriello highlighted the urgent need to address plastic pollution, advocating for governmental action to reduce plastic production and consumption. “Plastic is everywhere — in water pipes, in the ocean. We are hoping that this study will increase the push for government to act on this. This is even more important for the long-term health of our children, who will be exposed to high levels of plastics for the whole of their lives,” he remarked.
Commenting on the study, Dr. Philip Landrigan of Boston College described the link between plastic particles and cardiovascular events as “strongly suggestive” of a causal relationship. He emphasized the need for individuals to take proactive steps to reduce plastic exposure, including making informed purchasing choices and advocating for policies to curb plastic production.
The study sheds light on the pervasive nature of plastic pollution and its potential health impacts, urging a collective effort to address this pressing environmental and public health issue. As plastic production continues to escalate, the findings underscore the critical importance of prioritizing environmental stewardship and implementing measures to safeguard human health for generations to come.
