Microplastics—tiny fragments of plastic less than 5 mm wide—are often found embedded in heart tissue, according to new research published in Environmental Science and Technology.[1] Researchers believe they may be introduced into the body during heart procedures.
Previous studies have found that microplastics can enter the human body through the mouth, nose and other openings. After reading multiple reports of microplastics appearing on organs and other tissues, a team of cardiologists in China chose to explore the potential origins of these small shards.
The researchers gathered data from 15 patients who were scheduled to undergo heart surgery. Tissue samples were collected during the procedures, and blood samples were taken from seven of the study’s participants before and after the surgery was performed. Infrared imaging was then used to study these samples, revealing small fragments made of eight different types of plastic, including polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).
One key takeaway from the group’s study was that every blood sample, whether it was from before or after the procedure, revealed the presence of tiny plastic particles. While some of these microplastics are likely directly related to undergoing an invasive medical procedure, other samples are likely from outside sources that have no medical origin.
According to a statement from the American Chemical Society (ACS), first author Yunxiao Yang, with the department of cardiology at Beijing Anzhen Hospital in China, and colleagues believe their study suggests that “invasive medical procedures are an overlooked route of microplastics exposure, providing direct access to the bloodstream and internal tissues.” Yang et al. also called for additional research on this topic, including studies that examine if the presence of microplastics are associated with patient outcomes.
The National Science Foundation of China and Beijing Natural Science Foundation both provided funding for this analysis. Environmental Science and Technology is an ACS journal. The study can be read in full here
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.