The Plastic Problem No One Talks About—And Its Link to Heart Disease

Unless you cook all your meals at home, chances are you’ll eat from a plastic takeaway container at some point. But a new study suggests that chemicals leaching from these containers may increase the risk of developing heart disease.

This research adds to growing evidence that microplastics and chemicals in plastic could impact heart health.

While experts say there’s no need to panic, they also stress that the findings are worth noting—and you may want to rethink your takeaway habits or switch to different containers. Here’s what you need to know.

What did the study find?

The study, published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, was conducted in two parts. In one, researchers surveyed more than 3,000 people on their plastic exposure and heart disease status. They found that those frequently exposed to plastics—including eating from plastic takeaway containers—had a higher risk of developing congestive heart failure, a chronic condition where the heart struggles to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. In fact, the data showed that people with high plastic takeaway container exposure were 13% more likely to develop heart failure.

The second part of the study involved rats. Researchers poured boiling water into plastic takeaway containers, allowing it to sit for one, five and 15 minutes to extract plastic chemicals. They then exposed rats to that water over three months. At the end of the study, the scientists analysed the rats’ faeces and found changes to their gut microbiome, along with extensive damage to heart tissue.

The heart damage occurred regardless of how long the water had been in the plastic. As a result, the researchers concluded that even short-term plastic exposure is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Why might plastic takeout containers raise the risk of heart disease?

The researchers didn’t determine exactly why this happens—they simply found a link. But there are a few theories.

One possibility is that chemicals leaching from plastic takeaway containers into food may alter the gut microbiota, the ecosystem of bacteria in the gut, says consultative cardiologist Dr Rigved Tadwalkar. “That can lead to inflammation and subsequent heart damage,” he explains.

The researchers also suggest that exposure to plastic chemicals may cause heart muscle damage, along with inflammation and oxidative stress—an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body that can lead to cell damage. All of these factors are “closely tied to cardiovascular disease,” the researchers wrote.

Certain plastic chemicals, including bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates (PAEs) and plasticisers, have also been directly linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

There may also be an indirect link, says associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology Dr Jamie Alan. “People who eat takeaway food typically consume more sodium and fat and that alone may put them at higher risk for heart failure,” she says.

How concerned should you be?

Before worrying about last night’s takeaway, there are a few things to consider. One is that the study simply found a link between eating from plastic containers and heart disease. “It’s important to remember that the findings do not definitively prove that using plastic products causes congestive heart failure,” says toxicologist Dr Kelly Johnson-Arbor. Still, she notes that a growing body of evidence has linked chemicals in plastic to health concerns.

The heat involved in takeaway food is also a factor, says Dr Johnson-Arbor. “Takeaway food is often reheated in the plastic containers it comes in,” she says. “When people eat food that has been reheated or kept warm in a plastic container, they may unintentionally consume plastic byproducts along with the food.”

That said, it’s difficult to say that microplastic exposure alone leads to heart complications. “The link is quite real in the sense that we know these microplastics and chemicals can leach from containers and be harmful. But heart disease is multifactorial,” Dr Tadwalkar says. He stresses that genetics, diet, exercise and environmental factors like air quality all play a role.

“While reducing plastic container use is important, it’s one part of a more comprehensive approach to heart health that should include regular exercise, a balanced diet and routine check-ups,” he says.

Although the study found even small exposures to plastic takeaway containers weren’t ideal for heart health, Dr Tadwalkar says occasional use shouldn’t be a major concern. “It’s probably fine and unlikely to pose a significant health risk,” he says. “There are clearly other ways we can reduce heart risk that are more impactful, even though this should be taken into account.”

However, Dr Johnson-Arbor recommends avoiding reheating food in plastic containers. “To reduce plastic exposure from food, it’s a good idea to transfer takeaway food from its original packaging to your own non-plastic dishware before reheating or eating it,” she says.