Howard G. Smith MD, AM on Instagram: "Micronanoplastics Associated With Those Blocked Arteries That Trigger Strokes The number of micronanoplastic particles found in plaques blocking the carotid or brain-feeding arteries was 51-fold higher in those persons suffering debilitating strokes. This the key finding of studies by University of New Mexico vascular surgeons reported to the 2025 American Heart Association’s Vascular Discovery Scientific Sessions. Studying some 50 individuals, the investigators found that the concentration of these plastic particles was significantly higher in the blood vessel plaques of those who suffered strokes, mini-strokes, and vision losses. Although the embedded plastics did not appear to precipitate more inflammation in the blood vessels, they did alter gene function and reduced the inflammation fighting capabilities of immune cell types such as macrophages. The bottom line: micro- and nano-plastics appear to be likely cofactors along with pathological lipid metabolism that fuels the arterial disease responsible for strokes. Future studies will no doubt also look at the effects of these tiny plastic particles on the arteries that feed our hearts and our extremities. Meanwhile, this is yet another wakeup call to stop using plastic water bottles, food containers, and utensils. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-tiny-plastic-particles-artery-clogging.html #microplastics #nanoplastics #carotid #arteries #plaques #strokes"

0 likes, 0 comments - drhowardsmithreports on May 1, 2025: "Micronanoplastics Associated With Those Blocked Arteries That Trigger Strokes The number of micronanoplastic particles found in plaques blocking the carotid or brain-feeding arteries was 51-fold higher in those persons suffering debilitating strokes. This the key finding of studies by University of New Mexico vascular surgeons reported to the 2025 American Heart Association’s Vascular Discovery Scientific Sessions. Studying some 50 individuals, the investigators found that the concentration of these plastic particles was significantly higher in the blood vessel plaques of those who suffered strokes, mini-strokes, and vision losses. Although the embedded plastics did not appear to precipitate more inflammation in the blood vessels, they did alter gene function and reduced the inflammation fighting capabilities of immune cell types such as macrophages. The bottom line: micro- and nano-plastics appear to be likely cofactors along with pathological lipid metabolism that fuels the arterial disease responsible for strokes. Future studies will no doubt also look at the effects of these tiny plastic particles on the arteries that feed our hearts and our extremities. Meanwhile, this is yet another wakeup call to stop using plastic water bottles, food containers, and utensils. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-tiny-plastic-particles-artery-clogging.html #microplastics #nanoplastics #carotid #arteries #plaques #strokes".

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Crazy 😬

Plastics, Fossil Carbon, and the Heart ❤️(and #Brain 🧠 )

Microplastics and nanoplastics were detectable in the excised plaque of 58% of the patients 😨

The presence of #microplastics or #nanoplastics in #carotid #artery plaque was associated with a subsequent risk of nonfatal myocardial #infarction, nonfatal #stroke, or #death from any cause that was 2.1 times that in patients whose plaques did not contain microplastics or nanoplastics.

Patients with microplastics or nanoplastics in their plaque tissue also had elevated expression of circulating inflammatory markers

#heart #heartdisease
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMe2400683

Welcome to #chronicillness Giorgia Lupi NYT: 1,374 Days: My Life w #LongCovid. "In the past 3yrs, I have experienced, tracked more than 21 symptoms, consolidated here in2 13 colored categories. Seen 46 drs at 233 drs appointments. Had my #blood drawn 59 times. Done 12 #Xrays, 15 #MRI, 4 #CT scans, one #PET scan, a #tilttable test, an #electromyogram, a skin #biopsy, a #carotid #ultrasound, #microclot and #neuroinflammation tests, Been to the emergency room 6x Read Free https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/12/14/opinion/my-life-with-long-covid.html?unlocked_article_code=1.F00.435C.ojkN6YhWx43Q
Opinion | My Life With Long Covid

Chronic illness has a way of picking apart your mind and breaking your heart.

The New York Times

if only a vampire could suck blood AND arteriosclerosis out of my arteries

#carotid

Some of our work around #carotid surgery in the elderly #vascularSurgery

Safety of Carotid Endarterectomy for Symptomatic Stenosis by Age: Meta-Analysis With Individual Patient Data | Stroke

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/STROKEAHA.122.040819

Oh a #carotid endarterectomy is a nice operation isn’t it

I do love my job