Li J, Chen L. Minireview of relationship between perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and hypertension. World J Cardiol 2026; 18(10): 125866 [DOI: 10.4330/wjc.125866]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Liang Chen, PhD, Chief Physician, Professor, Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Zhongshan Road, Dalian 112000, Liaoning Province, China. dyeyarrhythmia@163.com
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Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
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review-article
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Li J, Chen L. Minireview of relationship between perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and hypertension. World J Cardiol 2026; 18(10): 125866 [DOI: 10.4330/wjc.125866]
World J Cardiol. Oct 26, 2026; 18(10): 125866 Published online Oct 26, 2026. doi: 10.4330/wjc.125866
Minireview of relationship between perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and hypertension
Jie Li, Liang Chen
Jie Li, Department of Cardiology, Ruijin-Hainan Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (Hainan Boao Research Hospital), Qionghai 571400, Hainan Province, China
Jie Li, Liang Chen, Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 112000, Liaoning Province, China
Author contributions: Li J investigated the current research status and drafted the article; Chen L revised the article critically for important intellectual content.
AI contribution statement: AI tool of Doubao was used solely for generation of Figures. No AI tool was used to generate research data, interpret results, or formulate conclusions. All AI-assisted content was critically reviewed and revised by the authors, who take full responsibility for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of the manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Liang Chen, PhD, Chief Physician, Professor, Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Zhongshan Road, Dalian 112000, Liaoning Province, China. dyeyarrhythmia@163.com
Received: July 20, 2026 Revised: August 19, 2026 Accepted: October 9, 2026 Published online: October 26, 2026 Processing time: 96 Days and 23.8 Hours
Abstract
The correlation between perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and hypertension remains inconsistent. We narrative reviewed the correlation between PFAS and hypertension in terms of the current status of PFAS contamination, existing studies, and potential mechanisms. The majority of studies reported a positive association between PFAS exposure and hypertension, though results vary considerably across studies. Potential mechanistic pathways include altered expression of nuclear receptors, oxidative stress, impaired renal sodium handling, and disturbances in thyroid hormone levels. Inconsistencies in the literature appear to stem from differences in PFAS compounds assessed, study designs, population characteristics, and outcome definitions. Given the predominance of cross-sectional studies and other methodological limitations, these findings should be interpreted as association rather than causation, highlighting the need for prospective studies to clarify the relationship.
Core Tip: This article systematically summarizes current evidence on the association between perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure and hypertension, highlighting that most studies support a positive correlation. We elucidate the potential biological mechanisms, including nuclear receptor activation, oxidative stress, impaired renal sodium handling, and thyroid hormone disruption. Given the controversies and racial/regional research gaps, future studies should encompass diverse populations and broader polyfluoroalkyl substances types.
