2024-03-12 16:47:28
12 mars 2024
A study highlights the link between the presence of plastic particles in atherosclerotic plaques originating from the carotid arteries and the risk of stroke, heart attack and death. Explanations.
As they decompose, particularly under the effect of UV radiation, plastics break down into smaller and smaller fragments. These plastic microparticles are then found in the air, waterways, earth but also living bodies and the tissues that make them up. Microplastics have been found in the human placenta, lungs, urine, breast milk, liver and blood. A new study, published in the New England Journal of Medecine on March 7, highlights the impact of microplastics on cardiovascular health.
Atherosclerotic plaques under the microscope
The work, led by Italian researchers, was carried out on asymptomatic patients who all underwent carotid surgery called carotid endarderectomy. Objective: unblock the carotids, these arteries which transport blood to the brain, blocked by atherosclerotic plaques. As a reminder, these deposits of cholesterol and other substances accumulate in the arteries and are responsible for blocking blood vessels. This is atherosclerosis, a common cause of stroke and myocardial infarction.
A total of 257 patients were followed for this study. The samples of atherosclerotic plaques removed from the carotid arteries were analyzed by the scientists. The analysis aimed to detect the presence of plastic. In 150 patients, micro and nanoparticles of plastic were found, the vast majority of which were polyethylene and/or polyvinyl chloride.
A risk 4 times higher in the presence of plastic in the carotids
The 257 patients were then followed for almost 3 years in order to evaluate the associations between the presence of these plastics and the risk of heart attack, stroke and death from all causes. Result: patients who presented micro and nanoparticles of plastic in atherosclerotic plaques had a risk of cardiovascular accident more than 4 times higher than those who did not present them.
The authors of the study emphasize that their work does not reveal a causal link. “ However, the results of our study show that patients with MNPs detected in carotid artery plaque have a higher risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death from any cause. 34 months of follow-up. »
Source : Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events, The England journal of medecine, 7 mars 2024
Written by: Dorothée Duchemin – Edited by Emmanuel Ducreuzet
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