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5d ago

Study Links Nanoplastics to Elevated Stroke Risk in Preliminary Findings

New research reveals significantly higher concentrations of nanoplastics in carotid plaques of stroke patients, though causation remains unproven and measurement challenges persist.

Image
Microplastics have been detected in the blood vessels of the neck
Nanoplastic particles from carotid-artery plaque, with a measurement key at the bottom in nanometers.

Overview

  • A University of New Mexico study presented at the AHA Vascular Discovery 2025 conference found nanoplastic concentrations 51 times higher in carotid plaques of stroke patients compared to healthy arteries.
  • Asymptomatic plaque cases also showed 16 times more nanoplastics than healthy arteries, highlighting a stark disparity in plastic accumulation.
  • Researchers emphasize these findings are preliminary, with no confirmed causal link between nanoplastics and stroke or related cardiovascular events.
  • The study underscores technical challenges in measuring nanoplastics, particularly polyethylene, due to overlapping signatures with body fat in analytical methods.
  • Calls for further research focus on understanding exposure pathways, biological mechanisms, and potential public health interventions to mitigate risks.