Cardiovascular Consequences and Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Chronic Microplastic Accumulation in Human Myocardial Tissue

International Journal of Cardiology | Vol. 17, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 49–56

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJC/001919

Review Article

Cardiovascular Consequences and Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Chronic Microplastic Accumulation in Human Myocardial Tissue

Ahmed Al-Mansoor¹, Li Wei²

¹ Department of Cardiovascular Interventions, King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
² Department of Cardiology, Fuwai Hospital, Beijing, China

Abstract:
Environmental exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) has emerged as a novel, pervasive threat to global public health. This comprehensive review synthesizes emerging clinical evidence, histopathological findings, and experimental data concerning the accumulation of MNPs within human myocardial tissue and their subsequent cardiovascular consequences. Recent tissue-biopsy analyses and post-mortem evaluations have identified diverse polymer types, predominantly polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride, within human atheromatous plaques, pericardial fluid, and right atrial appendages. Pathophysically, the presence of these foreign particulates triggers localized oxidative stress, upregulates nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, and promotes macrophage-led micro-inflammation. These cellular disruptions accelerate endothelial dysfunction, promote vascular calcification, and exacerbate interstitial myocardial fibrosis. Epidemiological data indicate that individuals with verified MNP accumulation within their vascular lesions experience a 3.5-fold higher risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, or all-cause mortality over a 34-month window compared to non-exposed counterparts. Furthermore, experimental models show that nanoplastics can directly disrupt cardiomyocyte ion channels, predisposing the myocardium to ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Mitigating this environmental risk requires strict public policy frameworks alongside the development of targeted pharmacological therapies aimed at reducing systemic oxidative stress. Understanding the long-term biological persistence of plastic particles within the heart is critical to optimizing future preventive cardiovascular strategies.

Keywords: Microplastics, Nanoplastics, Environmental cardiology, Myocardial fibrosis, Oxidative stress, Endothelial dysfunction

Received: May 25, 2026; Revised: June 30, 2026; Accepted: July 12, 2026; Published: August 19, 2026

Citation: Al-Mansoor A, Wei L. Cardiovascular Consequences and Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Chronic Microplastic Accumulation in Human Myocardial Tissue. International Journal of Cardiology, 2026; 17(8): 49–56. DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJC/001919

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