Why is hypertension a concern for health?

Hypertension is a concern for health primarily because it damages the walls of blood vessels. Chronic high blood pressure exerts excessive force against the artery walls, leading to micro-tears and scarring. This damage can result in atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, narrowing them and making it more difficult for blood to flow. Over time, this can increase the risk of serious health problems, such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.

When blood vessels are damaged, the body may respond by making the heart work harder to maintain an adequate supply of blood, further compounding the problem. This places additional strain on the heart and can lead to heart failure and other cardiovascular issues.

The other options do not reflect the health implications of hypertension accurately. Weight loss is not promoted by hypertension; rather, high blood pressure is often associated with obesity. Low blood sugar is unrelated to hypertension and typically pertains more to issues with insulin and glucose metabolism. Lastly, hypertension does not improve athletic performance; in fact, it can hinder physical activity and endurance due to the increased workload on the heart and potential complications arising from the condition.