A prominent New York cardiologist has sounded the alarm on a silent risk lurking in the medication cabinets of millions: phthalates—chemicals used to make soft gel capsules—may significantly increase the risk of heart attacks, according to new research and expert warning. This revelation, which directly affects commonly used medications such as pain relievers, multivitamins, stool softeners, and cold remedies, is poised to raise concern among medicine users globally and in Thailand, where health awareness continues to rise and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals remain readily accessible.
Phthalates, sometimes called plasticizers, are chemical compounds widely used to soften plastics, providing flexibility and longevity to products ranging from children’s toys to food packaging—and crucially, to the gelatinous shells of many oral medications. Recent findings reported by the Daily Mail cite a Mount Sinai cardiologist, who stresses that phthalates in medical capsules can trigger arterial inflammation, set off oxidative stress, and exacerbate the hardening and narrowing of arteries—key processes linked with heart attacks and cardiovascular disease (Daily Mail).
This warning is based on a mix of evolving scientific research and mounting epidemiological data. A key 2021 study in Environmental Pollution assessed the phthalate levels in the urine of more than 5,000 older adults and followed them for nearly a decade. The findings revealed a modest but statistically significant increase in cardiovascular mortality among those with higher urinary phthalate concentrations. Importantly, oxidative products from these chemicals are known to damage cardiovascular tissue, disrupt cholesterol metabolism, and foster the buildup of artery-blocking plaques (Environmental Pollution, 2021). In 2025, a global mortality estimate published in PubMed further implicated the plasticizer DEHP, a common phthalate, as a contributing factor for cardiovascular deaths worldwide. Researchers assert, “Plastic polymers and their additives, particularly DEHP, contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD)” (PubMed).
In the Thai context, awareness about phthalate contamination has grown, but regulatory action is still evolving. Thai research published in the Journal of Clinical Research and Applied Medicine explains that phthalates are omnipresent in domestic consumption—from food containers to medical products. The report urges policy refinement, strengthening monitoring, and cross-agency collaboration to mitigate exposure (ThaiJO). Urban studies in Bangkok have identified indoor dust as a significant source of human phthalate exposure, with concerning levels found among children (PubMed).
Cardiology experts highlight the biological mechanism of harm: once ingested, phthalates can cause the walls of the arteries to swell and become irritated. Over time, this increases the likelihood of atherosclerosis—a condition where arteries lose their elasticity and become clogged, impeding blood flow to vital organs, including the heart. Oxidative stress associated with these chemicals further damages heart cells and impairs their normal function, leading to a higher risk of arrhythmias, infarction, and ultimately, sudden cardiac death. Phthalates also disrupt lipid metabolism, elevating triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels—compounding the overall cardiovascular risk.
An official at the Thai Food and Drug Administration notes, “While Thailand has instituted stricter regulations on certain phthalates in toys and food packaging, pharmaceutical exposures remain a blind spot. There is a need for updated safety assessments and possible reformulation of commonly used medications.” This view is echoed by leading environmental health researchers, who argue for comprehensive biomonitoring and the adoption of safer alternatives, in line with international best practices (MDPI).
Phthalate exposure poses an even greater risk to vulnerable groups, such as children, pregnant women, and older adults, all of whom are frequent consumers of soft gel medicines and dietary supplements. Data from Thailand and several Asian countries reveal that urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations are similar or higher than those found in European populations—highlighting the urgency of the issue (Environ Sci Technol). Cultural practices, such as the popularity of herbal and dietary supplements encased in soft gel capsules, may further amplify Thai exposure.
Though manufacturers in some countries have begun phasing out the most harmful phthalates in favor of alternatives, lower molecular weight phthalates and non-phthalic plasticizers, not all substitutes have been proven safe. Regulatory gaps persist, especially for pharmaceutical uses. For the Thai Ministry of Public Health, the challenge lies in balancing access to safe, effective medication with minimizing inadvertent chemical exposure. Historical Thai trends toward modernization, growing use of imported pharmaceuticals, and gaps in public knowledge about chemical risks make targeted risk communication especially important.
Looking ahead, scientists recommend several measures: enhanced labeling for medicine ingredients, stronger regulation of plasticizer content by the Ministry of Public Health, and ongoing surveillance to track phthalate concentrations in the Thai population. Health-conscious consumers are urged to consult healthcare professionals before frequent or long-term use of soft gel medications and to prefer tablets or capsules labeled as “phthalate-free” when available. Moreover, families should limit the use of plastic-containing products in food storage and children’s toys—steps already recommended in several public awareness campaigns (Wikipedia).
For everyday Thai readers, the take-home message is twofold: First, vigilance about the types of medications and supplements you regularly consume is wise, especially where soft gel capsules are involved. Second, be proactive—request information from your pharmacist or healthcare provider about potential chemical additives in your medicines. Parents and caregivers should be particularly cautious with products marketed for children, the elderly, or those with chronic disease who may require long-term medication. On a broader scale, advocacy for policy change—such as stricter ingredient disclosure and safety testing for medicine excipients—can help ensure that the country’s rapid healthcare modernization does not come at the cost of hidden chemical hazards.
For further reading, refer to the original news summary in the Daily Mail, published research on cardiovascular risks from phthalate exposure, Thai environmental health studies, and updated Wikipedia overviews.