Microplastics: A Modifiable Cardiac Risk Factor

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Cardiology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death globally.
• Traditional risk factors do not capture all contributing elements.
• Microplastic pollution is a growing environmental concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on microplastic exposure.
• To discuss the clinical implications of microplastics for cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of experimental and clinical studies.
• Analysis of microplastic effects on cardiovascular health markers.

Main Results:

• Microplastics induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiotoxicity.
• Microplastics have been found in human coronary and carotid plaques.
• Patients with microplastics in carotid plaques show a 4.5-fold increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events.

Conclusions:

• Microplastic exposure is associated with cardiovascular disease.
• Microplastics represent a potential modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
• Further research is needed to understand the full clinical impact.