Are Everyday Plastics Harming Your Heart? New Study Links Chemicals to Cardiovascular Disease

We interact with plastic daily, often without thinking about it or noticing. These interactions include our food containers, online shopping packages, and personal care products. But can these frequent exposures do more harm than good to your heart?

A recent study published in The Lancet EBioMedicine has found that exposure to phthalates (pronounced thal-ates), a group of chemicals commonly used to make plastics more flexible and durable, may be linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Where are Phthalates Found?

Phthalates are used in a lot of everyday products, including:

• Food storage containers
• Vinyl flooring
• Personal care items like shampoo and lotion

Over time, these chemicals can enter your body through food, skin contact, or even breathing in dust that contains them.

The Heart-Health Connection

Researchers found that people with higher levels of phthalates in their system were more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. This includes conditions like heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure.

Why it Matters

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Because phthalates are so common, reducing exposure could be a simple step toward protecting your heart health.

What You Can Do

While it’s nearly impossible to avoid phthalates entirely, you can lower your exposure by making a few lifestyle changes:

• Choose fresh or frozen food over canned or packaged items.
• Use glass or stainless-steel containers instead of plastic.
• Check labels on personal care products for “phthalate-free” options.
• Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers.

Expert Tip

“Phthalates are a small piece of the puzzle when it comes to heart disease prevention,” said Dr. Bashar Obeidou, associate director of cardiology at Jackson South Medical Center and an interventional cardiologist with Jackson Heart Institute. “The best defense against heart disease is a healthy lifestyle that includes following a heart-smart diet, staying active, and managing your blood pressure. Reducing chemical exposures like phthalates can offer your heart even more protection.”

Protect Your Heart Today

Your heart deserves proactive care. Regular checkups with a primary care doctor or cardiologist can help detect potential risks early—including those tied to environmental exposures like phthalates. If you have concerns about your heart health or risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease, don’t wait.

Learn more about your heart health by visiting www.learnyourheartage.org. To schedule an appointment with a Jackson Heart Institute cardiologist, call 305-585-4JMG (4564) or visit www.cardiology.jacksonhealth.org.