Impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on cardiovascular health

Plastics serve multiple functions in an industrialized society, including major applications in all aspects of healthcare such as single use syringes, coatings and implantable devices. Plastics break down into smaller particles called microplastics (MP; diameter smaller than five millimeters) and nanoplastics (NP; diameter smaller than one micrometer), which are resistant to degradation. Recent evidence suggest that the smallest of these particles may accumulate in the human body throughout multiple organ systems. There has been particular interest on the effects of MP and NP accumulation in the cardiovascular system. In this review, we will discuss MP/NP formation, describe the clinical evidence supporting cardiovascular effects of these particles, with also a discussion on the possible molecular mechanisms behind these interactions. Finally, we will discuss the major knowledge gaps and current controversies involving MP and NP research as they relate to cardiovascular disease. Current evidence linking MP/NPs to cardiovascular disease remains largely correlative, with limited mechanistic validation.