Complications of sustained hypertension include which of the following?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major risk factor for the development of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), which is characterized by thickening of the myocardium (heart muscle). LVH occurs in response to increased afterload (the resistance the heart has to pump against), which is a common feature of hypertension.

Angiotensin II, a hormone that is activated in response to hypertension, is a major mediator of LVH in this setting. Angiotensin II causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) and promotes the retention of salt and water, which increases blood volume and pressure. Additionally, angiotensin II stimulates the proliferation of cardiac myocytes (heart muscle cells) and the synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to hypertrophy and fibrosis of the myocardium.

Other factors that may contribute to LVH in hypertension include increased sympathetic nervous system activity, oxidative stress, and inflammation. However, angiotensin II is considered a key mediator of this process, and drugs that block the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), such as angiotensinconverting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), are often used to treat hypertension and reduce the risk of LVH and other cardiovascular complications.

The correct answer is B. Systolic pressure less than 120 mmHg and diastolic pressure less than 80 mmHg is considered normal blood pressure in adults according to current guidelines. A systolic pressure between 140-150 mmHg (option A) would be classified as stage 1 hypertension, while a systolic pressure greater than 140 mmHg and diastolic pressure of 100 mmHg (option D) would be classified as stage 2 hypertension. A systolic pressure less than 100 mmHg regardless of diastolic pressure (option C) would be considered low blood pressure.