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Diseases

Marine Microplastics Linked to Higher Rates of Heart Disease and Diabetes

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found a strong association between high levels of marine microplastics and a higher prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases in coastal counties. The research team analyzed microplastic concentration data within 200 nautical miles of the U.S. coastline and found that counties with very high levels of microplastics had significantly higher rates of type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and stroke compared to counties with low levels.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that counties with very high levels of marine microplastics had an 18% higher adjusted prevalence of type 2 diabetes, a 7% higher adjusted prevalence of coronary artery disease, and a 9% higher adjusted prevalence of stroke compared to counties with low levels.
  • The research team geospatially analyzed microplastic concentration data within 200 nautical miles of the U.S. coastline to calculate mean marine microplastic levels (MMLs).
  • The coastal counties were stratified into four categories: low, medium, high, or very high MMLs, and the prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases was examined using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2019-2020 survey data.
  • The study's findings suggest a potential link between plastic pollution and increased rates of heart disease and diabetes, highlighting the need for policymakers to take action to address plastic pollution as an environmental and public health crisis.
  • Senior author Sarju Ganatra, M.D., emphasized the need to shift from awareness to action and urged policymakers to view plastic pollution as a potential health crisis.

Statistics:

  • 18% increase in adjusted prevalence of type 2 diabetes in counties with very high MMLs compared to counties with low MMLs.
  • 7% increase in adjusted prevalence of coronary artery disease in counties with very high MMLs compared to counties with low MMLs.
  • 9% increase in adjusted prevalence of stroke in counties with very high MMLs compared to counties with low MMLs.

Sources:

  • Journal of the American Heart Association, "Marine microplastic levels are associated with the prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases in US coastal counties" (June 18, 2025).
  • Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2019-2020) survey data.

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