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Plasticisers disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and potentially contribute to cardiovascular dysfunctionPlasticisers May Link Thyroid Issues to Heart Health Problems

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Key Takeaway
Note that plasticisers may disrupt thyroid homeostasis and contribute to cardiovascular issues through endocrine-mediated pathways.

This narrative review examines the impact of plasticisers, specifically phthalates, bisphenols, and their emerging substitutes, on the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. The authors synthesize evidence regarding how these compounds disrupt thyroid hormone synthesis, transport, receptor signaling, iodine homeostasis, and endocrine feedback regulation. These mechanisms are linked to various physiological stressors, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammatory signaling.

The review further argues that plasticiser-induced thyroid dysfunction may lead to indirect cardiovascular consequences. These potential impacts include hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, dyslipidemia, arrhythmias, atherosclerosis, and heart failure. The authors highlight the role of ion-channel disruption and metabolic dysregulation as potential pathways for these effects.

Limitations noted by the authors include the lack of long-term human studies and the need for combined exposure assessments. The review notes a critical need for more research to establish definitive clinical evidence. For clinical practice, the authors suggest that advanced microfluidic and organ-on-chip technologies, along with emerging biomarkers, may serve as promising tools for early detection and mechanistic evaluation of thyroid-cardiac dysfunction caused by plasticisers.

How this fits prior evidence

This narrative review addresses a gap in understanding the mechanistic links between environmental plasticisers and endocrine-related cardiovascular outcomes. While previous coverage has addressed cardiovascular function in patients on maintenance hemodialysis and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in specific populations, this review focuses on the specific role of phthalates and bisphenols in thyroid-mediated cardiovascular risk.

This review looks at how plasticisers, such as phthalates and bisphenols, may affect the body. These chemicals are known to interfere with the thyroid system. Specifically, they may disrupt how the body makes, moves, and uses thyroid hormones. They can also affect how the body manages iodine and responds to internal signals.

When the thyroid system is affected by these chemicals, it can lead to several health concerns. The review suggests that these thyroid issues may indirectly cause heart problems. These include high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and heart failure. The study also notes that these chemicals might cause stress to cells and interfere with how cells produce energy.

Because this is a narrative review, the findings are not based on a specific clinical trial. The evidence is currently limited by a lack of long-term human studies. More research is needed to understand how these chemicals affect people over time. You should speak with a healthcare provider to discuss any concerns about environmental exposures and your heart health.

What this means for you:
Plasticisers may disrupt thyroid hormones, which could potentially lead to various heart conditions.

Common questions

What are plasticisers and how do they affect the body?

Plasticisers include chemicals like phthalates and bisphenols. This review suggests they can disrupt the thyroid system by interfering with hormone synthesis, transport, and receptor signaling. They may also cause oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, which can impact how your body functions at a cellular level.

Can these chemicals cause heart problems?

The review suggests that thyroid problems caused by plasticisers can lead to several cardiovascular issues. These include hypertension, arrhythmias, atherosclerosis, and heart failure. These effects are thought to happen indirectly through the disruption of the thyroid-cardiac axis.

Is this finding a proven cause of heart disease?

No, this is a narrative review rather than a clinical trial. It describes potential mechanisms and links rather than providing definitive proof. Because of the limited evidence and lack of long-term human studies, you should consult a doctor for medical advice.

Study Details

Study typeSystematic review
EvidenceLevel 1
PublishedAug 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals particularly plasticisers such as phthalates, bisphenols and their emerging substitutes, are increasingly recognised as the main environmental toxicants with significant implications for thyroid and cardiovascular health. Due to their widespread use in consumer products, food packaging, medical devices, cosmetics and industrial materials, chronic human exposure occurs via ingestion, inhalation, dermal absorption and parenteral administration. Increasing evidence indicates that these compounds disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis by interfering with thyroid hormone synthesis, transport, receptor signalling, iodine homeostasis and endocrine feedback regulation. These disruptions contribute to thyroid autoimmunity, hypothyroidism, and broader endocrine imbalance. Because tfundihyroid hormones are vital for cardiovascular health, plasticiser-related thyroid problems can indirectly lead to cardiovascular issues, including hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, dyslipidaemia, arrhythmias, atherosclerosis and heart failure. Mechanistically, these effects are mediated by oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory signalling, ion-channel disruption, metabolic dysregulation and epigenetic modifications. Integrated thyroid-cardiac crosstalk is increasingly recognised as a critical mechanistic axis linking environmental EDC exposure to the progression of cardiometabolic disease. The review highlights the emerging biomarkers and advanced microfluidic and organ-on-chip technologies as promising tools for early detection and mechanistic evaluation of plasticiser-induced thyroid-cardiac dysfunction. Collectively, this review also highlights the critical need for long-term human studies, combined exposure assessments and translational diagnostic approaches to enhance our understanding and alleviate the escalating public health burden of environmental plasticiser exposure.
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