What is a major health risk associated with untreated hypertension?

Untreated hypertension significantly increases the risk of a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, leading to bleeding within or around the brain. High blood pressure puts excessive strain on blood vessel walls, causing them to weaken over time. This damage can make them susceptible to rupture, particularly during periods of elevated blood pressure spikes.

In contrast, while chronic kidney disease and gout are indeed potential complications of untreated hypertension, they generally develop over a longer time frame and are not immediate risks like hemorrhagic stroke. Acute bronchitis, although a common respiratory issue, is not directly linked to hypertension in the same way. Therefore, the connection between untreated hypertension and its immediate potential to lead to a hemorrhagic stroke is well established, highlighting the critical need for management and control of high blood pressure to prevent such devastating outcomes.