Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are polymeric pollutants receiving growing attention for their persistence, widespread distribution and potential health risks. Based on the origin, they are classified as primary MNPs, industrially produced, or secondary MNPs, formed by degradation of larger plastic debris. Due to their small size, MNPs can spread in the environment and enter the human body through ingestion and inhalation, crossing biological barriers to reach the circulatory system. Recently, polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride MNP particles have been detected within atherosclerotic plaques in carotid arteries of patients undergoing atherectomy. Furthermore, patients with MNPs in their atherosclerotic plaques exhibited significantly increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, or all-cause mortality, indicating a possible role in cardiovascular diseases worsening.