Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) Exam. Study with comprehensive multiple-choice questions, gain insights with detailed explanations, and enhance your readiness. Achieve success on your ICM journey!

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Which of the following is a potential complication of untreated hypertension?

Diabetes mellitus
Stroke
Anemia
Asthma

The correct answer is: Stroke

Untreated hypertension can lead to a variety of serious complications, with stroke being one of the most critical outcomes. High blood pressure exerts excess force on the arteries, which can lead to damage and increase the likelihood of the formation of blood clots. These clots can obstruct blood flow to the brain, resulting in an ischemic stroke. Additionally, hypertension can cause the weakening of blood vessels, contributing to the risk of hemorrhagic strokes as well. The relationship between hypertension and stroke is well-established in medical literature, underscoring the importance of managing blood pressure to prevent these life-threatening events. Interventions such as lifestyle changes and pharmacotherapy are essential in minimizing the risk of stroke in individuals with hypertension. In contrast, while diabetes mellitus can have a relationship with hypertension, it is not a direct complication of untreated hypertension. Anemia and asthma do not directly correlate with untreated hypertension in the same manner that stroke does, making them less relevant in this context.