- High cholesterol and microplastics are emerging as significant risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
- Regular lipid profile testing and proactive health management can help identify warning signs before they escalate into serious problems.
- Microplastics in the bloodstream can trigger an immune response, leading to persistent inflammation and potential health issues.
- The long-term impact of microplastic exposure is becoming a critical concern for public health, necessitating regular screenings and lifestyle modifications.
The medical community is sounding the alarm on two significant risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, namely high cholesterol and microplastics. Traditionally, high cholesterol has been a concern for the older demographic. However, recent years have seen a disturbing trend of increasing cholesterol levels among younger individuals. This silent health concern often goes unnoticed, as high cholesterol typically does not exhibit clear symptoms until significant damage has occurred.
Dr. Preeti Gupta, a Professor of Cardiology at Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi, emphasized the importance of early screenings and keeping cholesterol and LDL-C levels (bad cholesterol) in check. Regular lipid profile testing and proactive health management can help identify any warning signs before they escalate into serious problems. Elevated LDL-C levels are a significant contributor to coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
For people with comorbidities like diabetes or hypertension, the lipid profile becomes even more crucial, as they are at higher risk of developing heart issues," Gupta added. According to recent guidelines from the Cardiological Society of India, LDL-C levels should be monitored regularly to ensure they stay within optimal ranges, particularly in high-risk individuals.
The Silent Threat of Microplastics
Meanwhile, the experts noted that microplastics in the bloodstream are also emerging as a hidden link to cardiovascular disorders. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than five millimetres in size and are ubiquitously found in the environment and have infiltrated every part of human lives. From oceans and soils to the food people eat and the water they drink, they have permeated the very core of the ecosystem.
Recent research reveals a concerning link between microplastics and human health, especially regarding their impact on the bloodstream, heart disease, and even neurological disorders. Once microplastics enter the bloodstream, they can trigger an immune response, leading to persistent inflammation. This chronic inflammation has the potential to disrupt normal bodily functions, and over time, is strongly associated with a range of serious health issues, including cardiovascular diseases and neurological disorders," Dr. Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Chief of Neurology, Fortis Hospital, told IANS.
The Long-Term Impact of Microplastic Exposure
The long-term impact of microplastic exposure is becoming a critical concern for public health. The presence of these tiny particles in the bloodstream can enhance the absorption of MnPs and their leachates in the digestive and respiratory systems, potentially increasing the risk and severity of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) over time.
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