Groundbreaking study reveals health risks
A recent study by Chinese researchers has found microplastics in blood clots removed from the arteries of the heart and brain, as well as deep veins in the lower legs. The research, published in the journal eBioMedicine, involved 30 participants and suggests a possible link between microplastic levels in blood clots and the severity of cardiovascular conditions.
The study examined patients who had suffered heart attacks, strokes, or deep vein thrombosis
The study examined patients who had suffered heart attacks, strokes, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—a condition where clots form in deep veins, usually in the legs or pelvis, necessitating surgical removal. Participants averaged 65 years old and had diverse health backgrounds, including smoking, alcohol use, high blood pressure, and diabetes. They regularly used plastic products and were nearly evenly split between rural and urban areas.
Chemical analysis detected microplastics in 24 of the 30 blood clots tested, with varying amounts and types. The most common plastics found were polyethylene (PE), used in bottles and shopping bags, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), used in construction. The study also identified polyamide 66, commonly used in textiles. PE accounted for 54% of the microplastics detected.
Microplastics might exacerbate clot formation
Researchers observed that patients with higher microplastic levels in their blood clots also had elevated D-dimer levels, a marker for clotting. This suggests that microplastics might exacerbate clot formation. However, the study did not measure microplastic levels in patients’ blood, so further research is needed to confirm these findings.
“These findings suggest that microplastics may serve as a potential risk factor associated with vascular health. Future research with a larger sample size is urgently needed to identify the sources of exposure and validate the observed trends in the study,” the scientists wrote.
This study highlights the need for a greater understanding of how microplastics affect human health, particularly cardiovascular diseases.
