Which of the following can be a complication of untreated hypertension?

Untreated hypertension, or high blood pressure, poses significant risks to various body systems over time. One of the most serious complications associated with untreated hypertension is stroke. High blood pressure can lead to the hardening and narrowing of blood vessels, known as atherosclerosis. This process can impede blood flow to the brain, increasing the likelihood of embolic or hemorrhagic stroke.

In the case of an embolic stroke, a blood clot that has formed elsewhere in the body travels to the brain, blocking a blood vessel. Conversely, a hemorrhagic stroke occurs when an artery in the brain bursts, often due to the increased pressure against the vessel walls caused by high blood pressure. Both conditions can result in severe neurological damage, loss of function, or even death.

While heart failure can also be a serious complication of untreated hypertension, the question specifically highlights the stroke as a critical outcome linked directly to the effects of prolonged high blood pressure on cerebral blood flow. The relationship between hypertension and stroke is well-documented, making it a crucial aspect of patient education and management in nursing practice.