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Fri, Jul 17, 2026 · 67 stories · Confirmed · Subscribe
Science

Plastic Particles Found In 84% Of Heart Attack Patients' Blood

Researchers at Rome's Sant'Andrea Hospital compared 61 coronary patients, finding smokers exposed to heavy air pollution tested positive without exception.

  • STEMI patients hit 84% detection, versus 40% with chronic disease and 32% with clear arteries.
  • Polyethylene, the plastic in packaging, was the most common particle identified across all groups.
  • Smokers tested positive six times more often; European Heart Journal published the findings July 15.

Why it matters: Smoke and soot open the one route already known: through the lungs and into the blood.

European Society of Cardiology (ESC) press release on European Heart Journal study ↗ · Jul 17, 20267/17/26 · ✓ Checked✓ Check