Tuesday, 10 December 2024

 


Microplastics: The invisible danger to our heart health

Cardiologists sound the alarm as tiny plastic particles infiltrate our environment, wreaking havoc on the cardiovascular system

Microplastics, tiny plastic particles, naked to the human eye, have infiltrated every aspect of our environment, including our food, water, and air. Now, cardiologists worldwide are sounding the alarm about the potential impact of microplastics on heart health.
Recent studies have revealed that microplastics can enter the human body through various routes, including ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. Once inside the human body, microplastics can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and damage to tissues and organs, including the heart.
Cardiologists in Pune are concerned that exposure to microplastics has contributed to the development of several cardiovascular diseases in the city.

Sources of microplastics

Dr Suhas Hardas, cardiologist, speaking to Pune Times Mirror, expressed deep concern about the presence of microplastics in the bloodstream and potential harmful effects on heart health.
“One of the biggest contributors to microplastics is the ongoing and uncontrolled construction activities in the city. They use artificial sand, leaded fuel, synthetic clothing, fibre reinforcement in concrete, paint, plastic beads and roads. Microplastics enter humans via airborne particle pollution at these sites.
“Another factor which we don’t realise we are doing wrong is brushing teeth very vigorously or flossing a lot. This way, nanoparticles enter the bloodstream and cause havoc with our health,’’ he said.
Recent research carried out by National Highways Authority of India indicated that tyre, road paint markings, as well as roadside plastic litter, were the main sources of microplastics from road projects.

Youths getting affected too

“All this has led to a sudden surge of patients. It’s a new phenomenon. I see a rise of young people getting heart attacks, coming to me with blocked arteries and formation of unexplained clots,” Dr Hardas said.
“This is purely due to inflammation of arterial walls causing atherosclerosis. Microplastics accelerate the formation of plaque in arteries, leading to hardening and narrowing of blood vessels. Exposure to microplastics also disrupts the heart's electrical conduction system, leading to abnormal heart rhythms called cardiac arrhythmias. Microplastics also trigger inflammation in the heart, increasing the risk of heart failure and other cardiovascular conditions.” Dr Hardas explained.
According to Dr Pramod Narkhede, cardiologist, microplastics carry toxic chemicals and metal particle pollutants into various organs of the body and can induce oxidative stress and endocrinal alterations leading to serious inflammation in the body organs.
“In the heart this can affect vessels, heart muscles, valve conduction system, and adjacent structures. This inflammatory process and the toxins by themselves damage the vital tissues causing dreadful cardiac complications including vascular spasms, narrowing blockages causing infarctions, weakening of heart muscle leading to cardiomyopathy, and a variety of conduction rhythm abnormalities effusion in coverings of heart, and valvular insufficiency,” Dr Narkhede added.

Prevention better than cure

The adage that prevention is better than cure applies to microplastics too, according to Dr Narkhede. “Detoxification by diet antioxidant, regular breathing exercise, physical activity, proper homely food etc can prevent these damages,” said Dr Narkhede.

To protect heart health and the environment we must act now. There is a pressing need to reduce microplastic exposure, promote sustainability, and advocate for change. There is a need for awareness drives to be conducted to support plastic pollution reduction and encourage the community to implement policies reducing plastic waste and improving heart health.

Precautions
Cardiologists recommend the following measures:
- Take steps to minimize exposure
- Use masks in polluted areas
- Avoid construction sites or wear masks while there
- Install water filters that can capture microplastics
- Choose products with minimal or biodegradable packaging
- Avoid heating food in plastic containers. Always heat food in glass or ceramic containers instead of plastic
- Select clothing made of natural fibres and not synthetic fibres.
- Undergo detoxification by diet antioxidant
- Do regular breathing exercise
- Ensure physical activity
- Eat proper homely food


#Microplastics  

#HeartHealth  

#EnvironmentalHealth  

#PlasticPollution  

#CardiovascularHealth  

#ToxicExposure  

#SustainableLiving  

#HealthAndEnvironment  

#PollutionImpact  

#GlobalHealthCrisis  


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