Patients experiencing severe heart attacks may have much higher levels of micro and nanoplastics in their blood than people with stable heart conditions, according to new research from Italy. The findings add to a growing body of research examining possible links between plastic particles and cardiovascular disease, although the study does not establish that plastics cause heart attacks.

Researchers analyzed blood samples taken from the coronary arteries of 61 patients who were undergoing angiograms, a procedure used to examine blood vessels for irregularities. The study was led by Dr. Raffaele Marfella of the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in Naples and was published in the European Heart Journal.

The researchers reported that nearly 84% of patients experiencing an active, severe heart attack had detectable micro and nanoplastics in their blood. By comparison, plastic particles were detected in 40% of patients with chronic heart disease and in 32% of people with normal coronary arteries.

Among patients who tested positive for plastic particles, polyethylene was found in 97% of cases. Polyethylene is commonly used in plastic bags and bottles.

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Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com who was not involved in the research, said the findings contribute to a growing area of investigation. "This study adds to emerging research showing the potential role of micro and nanoplastics in heart disease," she told Fox News Digital.

At the same time, Routhenstein said the findings should be viewed within the wider context of environmental health hazards. She emphasized that the research cannot determine whether the detected plastics directly caused the heart attacks.

"While these findings are interesting and highlight the importance of paying attention to environmental factors that may contribute to inflammation and blood vessel injury, they do not prove that plastics cause heart attacks," she said.

Routhenstein also noted that the results are consistent with previous research that has identified microplastics in arterial plaque. However, she cautioned that the study has important limitations that should be considered.

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"This was an observational study, so it can only show an association, not cause and effect," she said. "It also included a relatively small group of patients from one country, so we can't assume the findings apply to everyone."

The researchers also identified smoking history as the strongest predictor of detectable plastic particles in the blood. That finding highlights the challenge of separating different environmental influences that may affect cardiovascular health.

"Factors like smoking and air pollution are also linked to cardiovascular disease and higher plastic exposure, making it difficult to separate the independent effects of microplastics," Routhenstein said.

Although the study did not establish a causal relationship, Routhenstein suggested practical ways people can reduce everyday exposure to microplastics. She encouraged individuals to review common sources of plastic exposure and consider alternatives when possible.

"I would take inventory of your regular sources of microplastic exposure and see where you can reduce or swap them for better alternatives ," Routhenstein said. "For example, replace plastic food storage containers with glass ones."

She also recommended using glass or ceramic containers instead of plastic when reheating food in a microwave. In addition, she suggested limiting plastic water bottles and single use plastic containers, particularly when they are exposed to heat.

Routhenstein said these changes should be viewed as part of a broader approach to cardiovascular health rather than as a single solution. She added, "Think of reducing plastic exposure as one piece of an overall heart healthy lifestyle."