What are the potential consequences of untreated hypertension?

Untreated hypertension, or high blood pressure, can lead to several serious health complications, with stroke and heart attack being among the most significant. Over time, elevated blood pressure can damage blood vessels and the heart. This damage increases the risk of atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in the arteries, narrowing them and leading to diminished blood flow.

A stroke can occur when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked (ischemic stroke) or bursts (hemorrhagic stroke), both of which can be precipitated by chronic hypertension. Likewise, hypertension is a major risk factor for heart attacks, which happen when blood flow to a part of the heart is obstructed, often due to a clot in a narrowed artery.

The other options—such as increased physical activity, weight loss, and improved metabolism—are generally considered positive outcomes for health, but they are not direct consequences of untreated hypertension. Instead, these factors can actually help in managing or lowering blood pressure if addressed appropriately. Therefore, the focus on stroke and heart attack highlights the severe risks associated with failing to control high blood pressure.