Recent studies have brought to light a concerning discovery – microplastics, tiny plastic particles, have been found in blood clots removed from arteries in the heart, brain, and legs. This revelation follows a groundbreaking study earlier this year that revealed the presence of microplastics in fatty deposits from clogged arteries, indicating a potential link between these particles and human health.
The latest research, conducted by a team of researchers in China, examined blood clots from 30 patients who underwent surgery to remove clots following a stroke, heart attack, or deep vein thrombosis. The study found microplastics of various shapes and sizes in 24 of the 30 blood clots, with concentrations varying among the samples.
Among the types of microplastics identified in the blood clots were polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene (PE), consistent with the findings of the earlier arterial plaque study. The patients involved in the study had diverse health backgrounds and lifestyles, including factors like smoking, alcohol use, high blood pressure, and diabetes. They also reported regular use of plastic products in their daily lives.
While this study represents a smaller sample size compared to previous research, the results suggest a potential correlation between the presence of microplastics in blood clots and the severity of related diseases. The implications of these findings raise concerns about the impact of microplastics on human health and underscore the need for further investigation into this emerging issue.
