ROSH Geriatrics Practice Test 2025 - Free Geriatrics Practice Questions and Study Guide

A common complication of untreated hypertension in elderly patients is heart failure. Chronic exposure to high blood pressure can lead to structural and functional changes in the heart, contributing to heart failure as the heart becomes less efficient in pumping blood.

Moreover, untreated hypertension can also lead to chronic kidney disease. High blood pressure damages the blood vessels in the kidneys, which can impair their ability to filter waste from the blood effectively.

In the context of acute respiratory distress syndrome, while it is not a direct consequence of hypertension, it can occur in patients with other underlying illnesses or complications that may arise from the cardiovascular system being compromised due to chronic hypertension.

Therefore, the possibility of all three conditions developing as a consequence of untreated hypertension underscores the importance of managing high blood pressure, especially in the elderly, to prevent these significant health issues.