High blood pressure may increase the risk of which of the following?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a significant risk factor for both heart attacks and strokes. When blood pressure is elevated, it causes increased strain on the heart and blood vessels. Over time, this can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, where arteries become narrowed and hardened due to plaque buildup. This condition significantly raises the likelihood of a heart attack, as the heart may not receive sufficient blood flow, especially if a clot forms in a narrowed artery.

Similarly, hypertension also increases the risk for stroke. There are two main types of strokes: ischemic strokes, which occur when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain, and hemorrhagic strokes, which happen when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. High blood pressure is a considerable contributor to both types by damaging blood vessels and leading to clot formation.

While diabetes and obesity are related conditions often influenced by factors such as lifestyle and genetics, they are not direct risks associated with high blood pressure in the same categorical manner as heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, the answer identifying the association between high blood pressure and both heart attacks and stroke is correct due to the direct impact that elevated blood pressure has on cardiovascular health and cerebral blood flow.