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Neil Quinn: 350% Increase In Heart Attack, Stroke, and Death From Coronary Microplastics

Neil Quinn/LinkedIn

Jan 21, 2026, 16:57

Neil Quinn: 350% Increase In Heart Attack, Stroke, and Death From Coronary Microplastics

Neil Quinn, Status Quo Trauma Surgeon and Solutions Alchemist, shared on LinkedIn:

”Mic Drop—350% Increase In Heart Attack, Stroke, and Death From Coronary Microplastics

Microplastics (MPs) are small plastic particles that have emerged as significant environmental pollutants to which humans are ubiquitously exposed.

MPs have been found to accelerate atherosclerosis by targeting endothelial cells in blood vessels and promoting inflammation and oxidative stress.

In a study published in the NEJM (link below), researchers analyzed plaque samples taken from asymptomatic patients undergoing endarterectomy.

Microplastics and nanoplastics were found in 58% of plaques.

Those with plastic particles in their plaque had a 353% increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. As the levels of plastics in the plaques increased, the level of inflammation also increased as measured by inflammatory markers.

Using electron microscopy, researchers found that the jagged edges of microplastics were embedded in immune cell microphages that are responsible for clearing endothelial debris, causing a cycle of increased inflammation and higher risk plaques.

Since this study, more studies have been published with consistent, reproducible results reinforcing the findings.

The association between MP exposure and atherosclerosis is worrisome as it introduces a significant additional factor that elevates the risk of coronary vascular disease.”

Read the full article here.

Article: Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events

Authors: Raffaele Marfella, Francesco Prattichizzo, Celestino Sardu, Gianluca Fulgenzi, Laura Graciotti, Tatiana Spadoni, Nunzia D’Onofrio, Giuseppe Paolisso et al.

Neil Quinn: 350% Increase In Heart Attack, Stroke, and Death From Coronary Microplastics