High levels of ocean microplastics linked to heart-related risks
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- Reviewed by Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
People living near coastlines with high levels of marine microplastics had higher rates of heart disease than those living close to coastlines with less plastic pollution, a new study finds. Microplastics are tiny shards (less than five millimeters in size) formed when plastic waste is fragmented by wind, waves, and sunlight. Emerging research suggests that microplastics may harm human health. The study included environmental and health data from 152 counties located within about 200 miles of coastlines in the United States. Ocean microplastic pollution levels in the communities ranged from low to very high. Researchers adjusted for residents’ age, income, and other factors that could influence the results. Compared to residents in counties with low plastic pollution levels, those living in counties with very high levels had an 18%, 9%, and 7% higher adjusted prevalence of diabetes, strokes, and coronary artery disease, respectively. While the results cannot prove microplastics led to the high risk, they underscore the need for more research to better understand how microplastics enter and affect the body, according to the authors. The study was published July 1, 2025, in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
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About the Author
Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
About the Reviewer
Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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