What can be a result of untreated hypertension?

Untreated hypertension can lead to a number of serious health complications, one of the most significant being heart failure. Chronic high blood pressure causes the heart to work harder than normal, which can lead to the thickening of the heart muscle and eventually result in the heart being less effective at pumping blood. Over time, this strain can weaken the heart, leading to heart failure, where the heart can no longer meet the body's demands for blood and oxygen.

The other options do not accurately reflect the implications of untreated hypertension. Increased energy levels and improved mental clarity are not typical outcomes; in fact, individuals with untreated hypertension often experience fatigue and may have cognitive impairments due to damage to blood vessels. Additionally, untreated hypertension increases the risk of heart disease, rather than decreasing it. Therefore, recognizing heart failure as a consequence of untreated hypertension is vital for understanding the importance of managing blood pressure effectively.