Microplastics—plastic fragments measuring less than 5 millimeters—have been detected in human arterial samples, raising new questions about cardiovascular health according to research published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials. A team led by researchers from Capital Medical University in China examined 17 human arterial samples collected during surgical procedures and found microplastics present in all of them, with concentrations relatively higher than those typically found in blood.
Microplastics Found in Human Arteries
The research team identified microplastics across three distinct types of arterial tissue: coronary, carotid, and aortic arteries. According to the study, samples from the coronary and carotid arteries—which often contain dangerous fatty plaques associated with atherosclerosis—held roughly twice the level of microplastics compared to the aortic artery samples without those plaques. Researchers note this concentration disparity offers potential evidence linking synthetic particles to cardiovascular disease, though they emphasize that differences in artery types may also influence accumulation.
Cellular Damage and Exposure Routes
While definitive causal links remain under investigation, animal studies indicate that microplastics may trigger oxidative stress, cellular damage, interfere with energy and lipid metabolism, and elicit immune-inflammatory responses. Humans likely absorb these particles through multiple entry routes, including ingesting food and drink and directly inhaling airborne particles. Once inside the body, these materials can seep into cells or between them to reach the bloodstream and arteries. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)—commonly used in water bottles, food packaging, and clothing—accounted for 73.7 percent of the detected plastic in the tissue samples.
Did you know? Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the material most frequently found in human arterial tissue samples, is widely used in everyday items such as water bottles, food packaging, and clothing.
Long-Term Health Studies and Evidence
A separate 2024 study published in The New England Journal of Medicine tracked 257 patients for 34 months and found that nearly 60 percent had measurable amounts of polyethylene in their arterial plaques. Unlike the Capital Medical University study, this patient-tracking research demonstrated an association between higher microplastic levels and an increased incidence of strokes and heart attacks. Because everyday plastics remain practically unavoidable in modern infrastructure, researchers stress that additional studies are urgently needed to clarify exposure sources, distribution patterns, and exact health impacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do microplastics enter the human body?
Researchers indicate that humans primarily ingest microplastics through food and water or inhale them directly from the air. From these entry points, the particles can cross cellular barriers to enter the bloodstream and eventually migrate into arterial tissue.
What types of plastics are most commonly found in human arteries?
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the leading plastic type discovered in tissue samples, making up 73.7 percent of the detected synthetic material according to findings in the Journal of Hazardous Materials.
Are microplastics proven to cause heart attacks?
While studies show an association between higher levels of microplastics in arterial plaques and an increased risk of strokes and heart attacks, scientists emphasize that more research is required to confirm a direct causal link amid other contributing health factors.
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