Researchers from China have found pieces of plastic in the hearts of patients who have had heart surgery. These are said to have entered the body during the procedure.
Typically, microplastics are found in paint and food packaging. However, after it has already been detected in the blood and even found in breast milk, researchers have now been able to detect microplastic parts in the human heart in a study in patients. These enter the human body through the nose, mouth and other body cavities when they are less than five millimeters in size.
Terrifying study results: Researchers find microplastics in the human heart
Scientists at Beijing Anzhen Hospital in China examined the heart tissue of 15 patients for their study published by the American Chemical Society. They had to undergo cardiovascular surgery. The team led by physicians Kun Hua and Xiubin Yang wanted to find out whether the particles could get into the human cardiovascular system through indirect and direct exposure. To do this, the researchers collected and analyzed the heart tissue of the participants and blood samples from half of the patients.
According to a press release, they found “tens to thousands of individual microplastic pieces in most tissue samples” and plastic pieces in all blood samples. They discovered nine types of plastic, including, for example, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride and poly(methyl methacrylate). There was also evidence that some microplastic pieces were accidentally inserted into patients during surgery.
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Researchers provide evidence of various pieces of microplastic in the heart
Although the study had a small number of participants, the researchers say it provides preliminary evidence that various microplastics can accumulate and remain in the heart and its innermost tissues. In addition, the results show that invasive medical procedures are a route of microplastic pollution that has been previously overlooked. It also allows direct access to the bloodstream and internal tissues. However, more studies are needed to fully understand the effects of microplastics on a person’s cardiovascular system and their prognosis after cardiac surgery.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about clinical pictures.