A new study from UC Riverside suggests that routine exposure to microplastics may directly worsen heart disease. In male mice, realistic daily doses of these particles sharply increased arterial plaque and disrupted the endothelial cells that keep blood vessels healthy — without affecting weight or cholesterol. The particles were also found inside arterial plaques and activated harmful inflammatory genes. With microplastics now widespread in food, water, and air, researchers are investigating why males appear more vulnerable and how different particle types influence vascular damage. The findings highlight microplastics as an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular health.
