Study finds microplastics in artery plaques may quadruple heart attack, stroke, or death risk.

Microplastics, found in artery plaques, may increase heart attack, stroke, or death risk by fourfold, a study shows. Researchers analyzed 257 patients and found polyethylene in 150 and polyvinyl chloride in 31. Further evidence is needed to establish microplastics' contribution to cardiovascular diseases, but avoiding single-use plastics and filtering water may help reduce exposure.