Healthy Thinking,
Disposable plastic water bottles are everywhere. We bring them with us when we exercise, we drink them when we’re driving, and we consume them at conferences, sporting events, and concerts. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it provides an illustration of how pervasive these bottles are in our lives. Unfortunately, there is growing research that disposable plastic water bottles may increase your risk of heart disease.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that 58.4% of 257 patients who had surgery to remove plaque buildup related to heart disease had microplastics embedded in the plaque found in their carotid arteries (the main blood vessels supplying blood to the neck, brain and face). In addition, the study found that these individuals had a 4.5 times greater risk of major cardiac events, including heart attacks and strokes, over the following three years compared to individuals without microplastics embedded in the plaque found in their arteries.
While the results of this study need to be replicated with a larger group of patients, the findings are significant and create real concern about the health risks associated with the microplastics found in water bottles, the protective films used on the foods we eat, and many other products we consume on a daily basis. Based on this study, microplastics may be an additional risk factor for coronary disease, along with previously known risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and smoking.
What Are Microplastics and How Do They Affect the Body?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size that are formed when larger plastic items break down. Microplastics and nanoplastics (even smaller plastic particles) can enter the body through the consumption of food, water and other beverages in plastic containers or wrapped in plastic food packaging. They can also enter the body through the consumption of contaminated food, such as seafood, which ingests microplastics found in lakes, rivers and seas.
When your immune system detects these microplastics in your arteries, it will attack them as foreign bodies. This can result in chronic inflammation that can damage the blood vessel lining, contribute to plaque buildup and eventually trigger a blockage. In addition, the inflammation caused by microplastics can constrict your arteries and obstruct blood flow. Eventually, your arteries may become so constricted that it will cause a heart attack.
Animal studies have found evidence of additional heart health issues associated with microplastics, such as:
- Altered heart rate
- Impeded cardiac function
What Are Some Alternatives to Plastic Water Bottles?
Switching to reusable water bottles is the easiest way to limit your consumption of the microplastics found in single-use plastic water bottles. If you’re unable to avoid the need for single-use containers in certain situations, you can seek out options that don’t contain microplastics.
The following options are great alternatives to plastic water bottles and will help you reduce your consumption of microplastics:
- Glass bottles – These bottles provide a safe, sustainable, and non-toxic alternative to plastic. Glass bottles can be recycled over and over without losing quality.
- Aluminum cans and bottles – Aluminum is another durable, recyclable material that can be used instead of plastic bottles. Aluminum cans are a great single-use option, and reusable aluminum water bottles provide you with a long-term solution that you can take with you wherever you go.
- Cardboard/paper-based bottles – Certain brands such as Flow Alkaline Water and Just Water use cardboard or paper-based containers as an ecofriendly alternative to plastic.
- Bag-in-box – Some systems will use a refillable and reusable bag of water inside a cardboard box.
- Stainless steel bottles – This is another great reusable water bottle option that is BPA-free and highly durable. In addition, many stainless steel water bottles are insulated.
- Ceramic bottles – Like glass, these bottles are non-toxic, durable and reusable.
- Silicone bottles – Silicone is another reusable, BPA-free material used for water bottles.
While it’s impossible to completely avoid exposure to microplastics, being mindful of your plastic use and seeking out opportunities to use the alternative containers listed above can help significantly reduce your exposure to microplastics. Taking these precautionary steps is especially critical if you have other risk factors for coronary disease.
South Denver Cardiology Associates Can Help You Maintain Optimal Heart Health
At South Denver Cardiology Associates, we’re committed to helping you maintain optimal heart health. We accomplish this in a variety of ways:
- Our diagnostic testing services can help you detect any heart health issues in their earliest stages and ensure you receive the proper treatments to manage your condition
- Our team of cardiologists offer a full range of clinical cardiology services to treat just about any heart condition you may have
- Our Medical Weight Loss Clinic can help you achieve the optimal weight to manage your heart health
- Our nutritional counseling services can help you establish a heart healthy diet
- Our Medical Fitness Gym gives you access to exercise specialists who can help you develop an individualized fitness program to optimize your heart health
- Our Mind/Body Studio will help you implement a variety of lifestyle changes that will improve your heart health
- Our blog is packed with educational articles such as this one which will help you stay abreast of the latest heart research and provide tips to live a more heart healthy lifestyle
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. South Denver Cardiology Associates serves patients in Denver, Littleton and the surrounding areas of Colorado.
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As with any health concerns, your specific treatment program should be discussed thoroughly with your primary care physician as well as any specialists who may need to be consulted – like a cardiologist.
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