Uncontrolled hypertension may damage organs primarily through which mechanism?

Uncontrolled hypertension primarily damages organs through the promotion of atherosclerosis and damage to the walls of the arteries. When blood pressure is persistently high, it exerts excessive force on the artery walls, leading to structural changes. Over time, this can result in the development of atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in the arteries, narrowing them and making them less flexible. This process not only compromises blood flow to vital organs but also increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.

Additionally, the damage caused to blood vessel integrity can lead to other complications, including aneurysms and organ ischemia, as affected organs may not receive adequate blood supply. These changes illustrate how uncontrolled hypertension can significantly impact overall health and contribute to multi-organ damage if not effectively managed.

While sodium retention, blood coagulation, and nutrient absorption issues can be associated with hypertension, they are not the primary mechanisms through which uncontrolled hypertension causes organ damage.