Question

Which of the following is a complication of untreated hypertension?

• A. Hypoglycemia
• B. Heart failure
• C. Hyperthyroidism
• D. Osteoarthritis

Hint:

Hypertension damages heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes — “target organ damage.”

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding hypertension
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a chronic medical condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently elevated. Over time, this increased pressure damages blood vessels and vital organs, making it a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Step 2: Link between hypertension and heart failure
Untreated hypertension causes the heart to work harder to pump blood against the elevated pressure in the arteries. This constant strain leads to thickening of the heart muscle (left ventricular hypertrophy) and eventually weakens the heart’s pumping ability, resulting in heart failure.

Step 3: Mechanism of heart failure development

• High blood pressure increases afterload (the resistance the heart must overcome to eject blood).
• Prolonged increased afterload causes structural changes in the heart muscle.
• Over time, the heart becomes less efficient, leading to symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, and fluid retention

Step 4: Why other options are incorrect

• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar is unrelated to hypertension; it is more associated with diabetes or insulin overdose.
• Hyperthyroidism: A thyroid disorder that can cause high blood pressure but is not a complication of untreated hypertension.
• Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease unrelated to hypertension.

Step 5: Clinical importance
Early diagnosis and treatment of hypertension with lifestyle modifications and medication can prevent heart failure and other serious complications like stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss.

Heart failure = Major complication of untreated hypertension