What are common complications associated with unmanaged hypertension?

Unmanaged hypertension, or high blood pressure that is not effectively controlled, can lead to several serious health complications over time. The correct choice highlights two significant complications: strokes and chronic renal failure.

High blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels in the brain, which may lead to an ischemic stroke if blood supply is interrupted or a hemorrhagic stroke if blood vessels burst. This vascular damage compromises the brain’s ability to function and can be life-threatening.

Additionally, unmanaged hypertension places considerable strain on the kidneys, which play a critical role in regulating blood pressure and filtering waste from the blood. Over time, this strain can result in chronic renal failure, where the kidneys lose their ability to function properly, leading to a buildup of waste products in the body and requiring potential dialysis or kidney transplantation.

In contrast, the other options do not represent direct complications of unmanaged hypertension. Heartburn and indigestion relate more to gastrointestinal issues rather than vascular health, while skin infections typically arise from other underlying health issues or immune status. Weight gain can be a consequence of various lifestyle factors and is not a direct consequence of unmanaged hypertension itself. Thus, strokes and chronic renal failure are key complications that underscore the importance of managing hypertension effectively.