Which of the following complications can arise from untreated hypertension?

Untreated hypertension, or high blood pressure, can lead to serious complications, with one significant risk being a heart attack. Prolonged elevated blood pressure causes increased strain on the heart and blood vessels. Over time, this can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries—a condition known as atherosclerosis—which narrows them and reduces blood flow. Eventually, if a blood vessel supplying the heart becomes blocked, it can result in a heart attack.

This selection highlights the critical relationship between hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The heart must work harder to pump blood against the increased pressure, which can lead to thickening of the heart muscle, arrhythmias, and ultimately heart failure if left untreated.

In contrast, while the other options may have various health implications, they are not direct complications of untreated hypertension. Weight loss, skin rashes, and digestive issues may arise from a myriad of other health conditions but are not characteristic concerns directly linked to the effects of untreated high blood pressure.