What is the consequence of untreated hypertension?

The consequence of untreated hypertension primarily manifests as an increased risk of heart disease. This is because high blood pressure can lead to damage of the arteries over time, making them less elastic and more prone to atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque. This buildup restricts blood flow, increases the workload on the heart, and can eventually lead to conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, and heart failure.

Furthermore, untreated hypertension affects other organs and systems, contributing to heart disease through a complex interplay of factors like inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, failing to manage high blood pressure puts individuals at a significantly higher risk for developing serious cardiovascular conditions.

In contrast, the other responses suggest outcomes that are not associated with untreated hypertension. For example, improved heart health and reduced risk of stroke contradict the well-documented effects of high blood pressure, and decreased cholesterol levels are not a direct consequence of hypertension but rather involve different metabolic processes in the body.