Question

Hypertension is defined as "sustained elevations in systolic or diastolic blood pressures that exceed prehypertension levels." What are some of the consequences of hypertension that make it such a health menace in the United States?

A. All options are correct.
B. Renal disease
C. Cerebrovascular accident
D. Cardiac failure

Answer 1

Consequences of untreated hypertension include cardiac failure, stroke, renal disease, aneurysms, and peripheral arterial disease, making it crucial to manage high blood pressure with lifestyle changes and medications.

Step-by-step explanation:

Consequences of Hypertension

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a persistent elevation in the pressure that blood exerts on the walls of blood vessels. Since hypertension usually does not cause symptoms, it can be a silent threat, leading to serious health complications if untreated. Some of the consequences of untreated hypertension include:

• Cardiac failure: High blood pressure can lead to heart failure, where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
• Cerebrovascular accident (stroke): Hypertension can cause blood vessels in the brain to clog or burst, resulting in a stroke.
• Renal disease: Chronic high blood pressure can damage the kidneys, leading to chronic kidney disease or failure.
• Aneurysms: Elevated blood pressure can cause the walls of blood vessels to weaken, leading to aneurysm formation.
• Peripheral arterial disease: High blood pressure is associated with the build-up of plaques in peripheral arteries, limiting blood flow to limbs.

Controlling hypertension through lifestyle changes and medications is crucial to reduce these risks.