Study Uncovers Microplastics in Blood of Most Heart Attack Patients

WHO:

NY Post - Researchers from the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in Naples, led by Dr. Raffaele Marfella.

Fox News - Dr. Marc Siegel, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.

WHAT:

NY Post - Detectable micro- and nanoplastics were found in nearly 84% of patients who suffered active heart attacks.

Fox News - The study analyzed blood samples from 61 patients undergoing angiograms.

Fox News - Microplastics were detected in 40% of patients with chronic heart disease and 32% of those with normal coronary arteries.

Fox News - Polyethylene was found in 97% of patients who tested positive for microplastics.

Fox News - A history of smoking was identified as the single strongest predictor of detectable plastic particles in the blood.

WHERE:

Fox News - The study was conducted in Naples, Italy.

WHEN:

Fox News - The study was published in the European Heart Journal.

WHY:

Fox News - The findings suggest a potential role of micro- and nanoplastics in heart disease.

Fox News - The study highlights the importance of environmental factors that may contribute to inflammation and blood vessel injury.

HOW:

Fox News - Blood samples were analyzed from patients undergoing angiograms to detect microplastics.

(UPDATED July 24, 2026 00:19 UTC)

A recent study conducted in Naples, Italy, by researchers from the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli has revealed that detectable micro- and nanoplastics were found in nearly 84% of patients experiencing active heart attacks. The analysis of blood samples from 61 patients undergoing angiograms showed that microplastics were present in 40% of those with chronic heart disease and 32% of patients with normal coronary arteries, with polyethylene detected in 97% of those testing positive for microplastics. The findings, published in the European Heart Journal, suggest a potential link between microplastics and heart disease, emphasizing the impact of environmental factors on inflammation and blood vessel injury.