New research unveiled at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session highlights a concerning link between microplastics exposure and an increased prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.

Ponnana emphasized the importance of reducing plastic production and ensuring proper disposal to minimize microplastics exposure, recognizing that complete avoidance is not feasible due to their ubiquity.

The findings suggest that microplastic pollution is an emerging health threat, comparable in risk to factors such as minority race and lack of health insurance regarding stroke risk.

Additionally, another study at ACC.25 found a strong correlation between microplastics in heart artery plaques and the risk of serious cardiovascular events, indicating a potential role in heart disease.

Microplastics, defined as tiny plastic fragments ranging from 1 nanometer to 5 millimeters, originate from the breakdown of larger plastic items and enter the environment through sources like packaging and consumer products.

Lead author Sai Rahul Ponnana from Case Western Reserve School of Medicine noted that microplastics exposure is particularly impactful on cardiovascular health, ranking among the top ten predictors of chronic diseases when analyzing various socioeconomic and environmental factors.

The study analyzed microplastics concentrations in water bodies along the U.S. East, West, and Gulf Coasts, as well as lakeshores, from 2015 to 2019, focusing on areas with documented pollution levels.

Using data from 555 census tracts, researchers correlated these microplastics concentrations with health conditions based on CDC statistics from 2019, finding a positive correlation with high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke, while cancer showed no consistent link.

The research indicated a dose-response relationship, suggesting that higher concentrations of microplastics correspond to a higher prevalence of these diseases, although causation remains unverified and requires further investigation.

This study underscores the significant impact of environmental factors on health, particularly cardiovascular health, advocating for environmental care as a means of promoting personal health.

Ponnana's study will be presented on March 30, 2025, alongside another study by Eesha Nachnani that suggests a correlation between microplastics in heart artery plaques and cardiovascular risks, to be presented on March 31, 2025.