Which condition leads to extra strain on arteries and heart, increasing risk of heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, stroke or dementia?

• A. Diabetes
• B. High cholesterol
• C. High blood pressure
• D. Dehydration

Answer: (C)

High blood pressure raises the pressure the heart must generate to push blood and the force exerted on arterial walls. That extra workload stretches and thickens the heart muscle and damages arteries, promoting wear-and-tear on the cardiovascular system. Over time, this leads to left ventricular hypertrophy and reduced arterial compliance, plus vascular injury that can cause blockages or bleeds. The combination raises the risk of heart attack and heart failure, as well as kidney disease, stroke, and even cognitive decline such as vascular dementia due to chronic damage to small vessels. While conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol also increase cardiovascular risk, the scenario described is most closely linked to the systemic strain caused by high blood pressure. Dehydration can cause temporary changes but does not produce the sustained vascular strain associated with these broad outcomes.