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Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) are newly identified contributors to cardiovascular disease risk, especially in acute coronary syndromes such as ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This study detects higher concentrations and diversity of MNPs in coronary blood of STEMI patients compared to chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) patients and controls. MNP presence correlates with elevated systemic inflammation and increased exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM2.5) and tobacco smoking. Smoking independently predicts MNP detection, enhancing cardiovascular risk. These findings link environmental plastic pollution and air pollutants to coronary artery disease pathogenesis.
