Which of the following findings indicates that hypertension is progressing to target organ damage?

• A. Proteinuria detected on urinalysis
• B. Slightly elevated heart rate
• C. Mild headache after exercise
• D. Occasional dizziness when standing up

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of hypertension and its progression to target organ damage. Hypertension can lead to damage in organs such as the kidneys, heart, brain, and eyes due to prolonged high blood pressure.
2. Recognize that proteinuria (presence of protein in urine) is a key indicator of kidney damage. The kidneys filter blood, and damage to the glomeruli can result in protein leaking into the urine, which is a sign of target organ damage.
3. Evaluate the other symptoms provided: a slightly elevated heart rate, mild headache after exercise, and occasional dizziness when standing up. These symptoms are nonspecific and do not directly indicate target organ damage. They may be associated with hypertension but are not definitive markers of progression.
4. Focus on the significance of urinalysis in detecting proteinuria. Proteinuria is a measurable and objective finding that directly correlates with kidney damage caused by hypertension.
5. Conclude that among the options provided, proteinuria detected on urinalysis is the finding that indicates hypertension is progressing to target organ damage, as it reflects a pathological change in kidney function.