Which of the following is a serious consequence of untreated hypertension?

Untreated hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, can lead to various serious health complications, one of which is a heart attack. When blood pressure is elevated over a prolonged period, it puts excessive strain on the heart and blood vessels. This strain can lead to the development of coronary artery disease, where the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed due to the buildup of plaque. If a plaque ruptures, it can result in a blockage that prevents blood flow, potentially causing a heart attack.

Recognizing the serious nature of this consequence highlights the importance of managing hypertension through lifestyle changes or medical interventions to reduce the risk of heart-related events and maintain overall cardiovascular health.