Nokea
HYPERTENSION:
The term hypertension is used to describe the condition of chronically high blood pressure. People who are obese, experience a lot of stress, smoke tobacco products, have a diet with too much salt in it, or have diabetes are often at a higher risk for hypertension. As well, African Americans are more likely to have hypertension than other population groups.
Hypertension often develops over many years. Older people are most often diagnosed with hypertension. One reason for this is that blood vessels lose elasticity and stiffen as a person ages. This creates more resistance to the blood flowing through the body and elevates blood pressure.
Symptoms of hypertension can include blurred vision, headaches, a buzzing in the ears, fatigue, an irregular heartbeat, and nosebleeds. Hypertension that goes untreated over a period of time can lead to serious complications such as kidney disease, heart disease, loss of vision, heart attack, brain damage, and even early death.
Fortunately, treating hypertension reduces blood pressure and can lower the risk of complications. For many people, losing weight can result in a significant decrease in blood pressure. For others, physicians may prescribe one or more medications to help bring blood pressure down into a safe range.
One thing is certain: physicians believe that people over the age of 20 should monitor their blood pressure by having it checked at least once a year. Those with a history of hypertension in the immediate family should have it checked more frequently.
Which statement would not be inferred by the reader in the passage about Hypertension?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage clearly states that there are treatments for hypertension, so the statement that there is presently no reliable treatment for hypertension cannot be inferred from the text. Choice A can be inferred from paragraph 3 where it mentions losing weight to decrease blood pressure. Choice C can be inferred from paragraph 1 where it states that African Americans are more likely to have hypertension. Choice D can be inferred from paragraph 2 where it explains that older people are most often diagnosed with hypertension due to changes in blood vessels as they age.