What is a common complication of untreated hypertension?

Untreated hypertension, or high blood pressure, significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease. Over time, elevated blood pressure puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels, leading to damage and potential complications such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke. These complications arise due to the effects that high blood pressure has on the arteries, which can become narrowed and hardened (a process known as atherosclerosis), thus impeding blood flow.

In contrast, the other options do not present realistic outcomes associated with untreated hypertension. Reduced appetite is not a recognized complication; vision improvement is unlikely, as untreated hypertension typically leads to vision issues, particularly hypertensive retinopathy; and improved kidney function contradicts the known effects of hypertension, which can lead to kidney damage or failure over time. This understanding underscores the importance of managing blood pressure effectively to mitigate these serious health risks.