Patients who suffer heart attack have more micro and nanoplastic in their blood

Study Finds Higher Levels of Micro and Nanoplastics in Heart Attack Patients

People who have suffered a serious heart attack were found to have higher levels of micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) in their blood compared to patients with chronic ischemic heart disease or those with normal coronary arteries, according to a study published in the European Heart Journal on July 15, 2026. The research, a collaboration between Sapienza University of Rome, the University of Verona, and the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,” examined 61 patients undergoing coronary angiography. The findings reveal a significant association between environmental exposures, the presence of plastic particles in the blood, and cardiovascular disease.

Study Findings and Patient Comparisons

Researchers analyzed blood samples taken from the vessels supplying the heart and from other areas of the body. The study categorized participants into three groups: those who had experienced an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)—a serious type of heart attack—those with chronic ischemic heart disease, and a control group with normal coronary arteries. The results showed that micro and nanoplastics were detected in 84% of heart attack patients. In contrast, the particles were found in 40% of patients with chronic ischemic heart disease and 32% of patients with normal coronary arteries. Furthermore, heart attack patients exhibited a greater variety of plastic types in their blood, with polyethylene—commonly used in packaging and consumer products—being the most prevalent.

The Role of Smoking and Air Pollution

The study identified a strong link between lifestyle factors and the presence of plastic particles in the bloodstream. According to the data, smokers were six times more likely to have microplastics in their blood than non-smokers. Additionally, patients exposed to higher long-term levels of air pollution, specifically PM2.5 particles, were more likely to have detectable levels of microplastics. The researchers noted that all patients who were both smokers and exposed to higher levels of air pollution had plastics in their blood. By comparison, only 12.5% of patients who neither smoked nor were exposed to higher levels of air pollution showed the same presence of particles. Lead author Dr. Pasquale Paolisso of Sant’Andrea Hospital suggested that smoking and air pollution might make it easier for these particles to enter the bloodstream via the lungs.

Scientific Caution and Context

While the study highlights a strong association, the authors and independent experts emphasized that the findings do not prove a causal relationship between microplastics and heart attacks. Professor Emanuele Barbato, who led the research, described the study as exploratory and hypothesis-generating. Other experts urged careful interpretation of the data. Professor Kevin Thomas of the University of Queensland noted that the analytical techniques used could potentially misidentify natural blood fats (lipids) as plastic particles. Additionally, Professor Alun Hughes of University College London pointed out that factors such as social deprivation or the use of intravenous infusions during hospital treatment—which can shed plastic particles—could also play a role in the findings.

Understanding Micro and Nanoplastics

Micro and nanoplastics are tiny fragments that originate from the breakdown of larger plastic items. These particles are now found virtually everywhere in the environment, including the air, water, and food supply. As scientific concern grows regarding their potential health effects, this study adds to the evidence that these particles can accumulate in human tissues and organs.

Summary of Detection Rates

| Patient Group | MNP Detection Rate | | :— | :— | | STEMI (Heart Attack) | 84% | | Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease | 40% | | Normal Coronary Arteries | 32% | The research team stated that their findings highlight the need to consider plastic pollution as a broader environmental determinant of health. They suggested that policies aimed at reducing air pollution, tobacco exposure, and plastic contamination could have benefits that extend to cardiovascular health, though larger prospective studies are required to confirm these risks.

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