- Exposure to phthalates, an ingredient in common household plastics, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, according to one study.
- Doctors say that phthalates may increase inflammation and interfere with hormone function.
- Experts share simple ways to minimize your exposure.
While you can’t control whether your family has a history of heart disease, there are things you can do on a daily basis to protect your heart, from eating the best foods for heart health to incorporating ways to lower blood pressure naturally into your routine. Now, research suggests that there may be additional changes you should make to your environment if you want to keep your heart healthy. One study found a link between the plastic ingredient phthalates, heart disease, and death from heart-related causes. Read on to discover the surprising statistics they uncovered, plus steps you can take to limit your exposure to this potentially harmful substance.
Meet the Experts: Sanjay Rajagopalan, M.D., the director of Case Western Reserve University’s Cardiovascular Research Institute; Marianela Areces, M.D., medical director and cardiologist at Pritikin Longevity Center.
In the study, which was published in eBioMedicine, researchers found that in 2018 alone, an estimated 356,238 deaths globally could be attributed to exposure to di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP), a specific phthalate used to make plastics more flexible and durable. It is found in products such as food containers, medical equipment, vinyl flooring, shower curtains, children’s toys, and food processing and storage materials like cling wrap, said Sanjay Rajagopalan, M.D., the director of Case Western Reserve University’s Cardiovascular Research Institute. That number represented around 13.5% of all cardiovascular-related deaths of people between the ages of 55 and 64 that year.
The study did note geographic disparities among potential plastic-related deaths, namely that regions with booming plastic industries saw the most dramatic impact. For example, South Asia and the Middle East experienced the highest percentage of cardiovascular-related deaths attributable to DEHP exposure at nearly 17%. Those areas, combined with East Asia and the Pacific, hosted the largest percentage of global DEHP-attributed deaths at around 73%. Altogether, researchers estimated that DEHP exposure collectively shortened life by roughly 10.4 million years worldwide.
To arrive at all of those numbers, scientists took data from a past large U.S.-based study that measured DEHP and other phthalate levels in participants’ urine. They compared it to global mortality rates and environmental data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a research group that collects medical information worldwide to identify trends in public health.
How exactly do phthalates impact heart health? Phthalates may infiltrate the arteries of humans and contribute to heart disease, Dr. Rajagopalan said. Marianela Areces, M.D., medical director and cardiologist at Pritikin Longevity Center, added that all phthalates, and especially DEHP, “are environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals,” meaning that they may interfere with hormone function and raise risk for conditions like obesity and kinds of diabetes, both of which are also risk factors for heart disease.
The core detriment here is believed to be that phthalates are inflammatory, which may inhibit bodily processes and make oxidative stress and cell damage more likely. Phthalates have also been linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular arrhythmias, Dr. Areces added.
This also isn’t the only recent study that has linked ingredients in common plastics to heart disease. Separate research in the New England Journal of Medicine found that exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics was linked to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from any cause.
How to limit your exposure to potentially harmful plastics
Before you toss out all of the plastics in your home, it’s important to note that these are only broad associations and do not definitively implicate DEHP, noted Dr. Rajagopalan. “It could also mean that there are other chemicals that could drive this risk,” he said.
However, experts say that it is worth taking some steps to try to limit your exposure to phthalates. But there’s only so much we can do because phthalates are, unfortunately, ubiquitous at this point. You can reduce exposure, though, with “conscious effort and lifestyle changes,” said Dr. Areces. Some expert-approved strategies include:
- Avoid plastic products: Opt for glass, stainless steel, or silicone alternatives for food storage and household items.
- Check labels: Look for products labeled “phthalate-free,” especially in personal care items, toys, and food packaging.
- Limit processed foods: Phthalates may leach into food from packaging, said Dr. Areces. Choose fresh, whole foods and avoid heavily processed or packaged items.
- Avoid heating plastics: “Do not microwave food in plastic containers, as heat can increase the release of phthalates into food,” said Dr. Areces. This means even if the container says it’s microwave safe, it may be worth transferring it to a non-plastic vessel prior to popping it in.
- Improve ventilation: Phthalates can be present in indoor air and dust. Regularly ventilate your home and clean with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA air filter.
- Advocate for regulation: “Support policies and initiatives aimed at reducing phthalate use in consumer products and improving waste management,” Dr. Areces recommended.
In addition to being aware of your plastic use, Drs. Areces and Rajagopalan said you can protect your heart with heart health tips such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco and alcohol use, prioritizing sleep and mental health, and getting regular checkups with your physician.
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