What can be a consequence of untreated hypertension?

Untreated hypertension, or high blood pressure, can lead to several serious health consequences, including stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure. The underlying reason for this is that high blood pressure exerts excessive force on the walls of blood vessels, which can cause damage over time.

When blood vessels become damaged, they may lead to the development of atherosclerosis – the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This contributes to heart disease and increases the risk of heart attacks. If a blood vessel in the brain weakens or bursts due to this pressure, it can result in a stroke, either from the disruption of blood flow or from a rupture. On the other hand, chronic high blood pressure can also harm the kidneys, leading to reduced kidney function and potentially kidney failure, as the kidneys are responsible for filtering waste from the blood.

Given this interconnectedness, untreated hypertension poses a significant risk for these life-threatening conditions, making the answer that encompasses all potential consequences accurate.