A recent study has indicated concerns about the potential health risks associated with microplastics and nano-plastics—tiny plastic particles that can enter our bodies through air, food, or drinks. __22__ there has been considerable discussion in the media about these particles, there’s limited research on their impact on heart health. This study suggests a link 新 between the accumulation of __23__ plastics in the body and an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, or death, although it does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The research involved 257 individuals undergoing procedures to remove blockages in their carotid arteries, which are crucial for supplying blood to the brain. Italian scientists analyzed the fatty deposits removed from these arteries and found plastic particles, mostly nano- plastics invisible to the naked eye, in 150 patients. The remaining 107 showed no plastic 聞 traces. Over three years, about 20% of those with plastics experienced a heart attack, stroke, or died from any cause, compared to around 8% of __24__ without plastic exposure. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the study also noted increased inflammation, a risk factor for heart diseases, in participants with plastic particles in their systems. However, the researchers acknowledge the study's limitations, including its small scale and focus on individuals already at high risk for heart problems. Factors such as existing health conditions, gender, and lifestyle choices, like smoking, could also influence 稿 the findings. Experts outside the study, like Steve Nissen of the Cleveland Clinic, __25__ overestimating the risk presented by microplastics, suggesting that further research is needed. Philip Landrigan from Boston College University echoes this, emphasizing the importance of additional studies __26__ these preliminary findings. Despite the uncertainties, the research serves as a potential warning about the seriousness of microplastic pollution and its possible implications for heart health. 專