What is one of the primary risks associated with high blood pressure?

The primary risk associated with high blood pressure is kidney failure. This occurs because high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste from the blood effectively. Over time, this damage can lead to chronic kidney disease or even complete kidney failure. The kidneys rely on healthy blood flow to perform their filtering functions, and when they are compromised due to hypertension, it can precipitate a cascade of health issues. Managing blood pressure is crucial to protecting kidney health, among other bodily functions.

Other options, such as dehydration, cold extremities, and frequent headaches, can occur in various health contexts but are not direct or primary risks associated with high blood pressure. While headaches may be experienced in individuals with severely elevated blood pressure, they are not the leading concern compared to the long-term risks posed to the kidneys.