Scientists have found unusually high levels of microplastics in the blood vessels of stroke patients, which may significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, Science Alert reports.
Researchers have found that microplastics and nanoplastics are not only present in the blood, but also accumulate in internal organs, including the lungs and liver. New work indicates a direct link between the presence of microplastics in the arteries and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
“Microplastics are also found in healthy arteries, but the amount we found in stroke patients was shockingly high,” said Dr. Ross Clark from the University of New Mexico.
The study, which analyzed the carotid arteries of 48 patients, found that the levels of microplastics in the fatty plaques of asymptomatic patients were 16 times higher, and in those who had suffered a stroke, mini-stroke, or vision loss, they were 51 times higher than in healthy individuals.
Scientists also found that cells in arterial plaques contaminated with plastic have altered gene activity, which can provoke the development of inflammatory processes and accelerated vascular occlusion.
Recall that earlier in London, doctors reported on a new way to cleanse the body of microplastics using apheresis, a special blood filtration procedure that is traditionally used to treat certain diseases.
