Which of the following statements about hypertension is correct?

• A. Hypertension is caused by a bacterial infection.
• B. Hypertension only affects the respiratory system.
• C. Hypertension is not a type of cardiovascular disease.
• D. Hypertension is classified as a type of cardiovascular disease.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the term 'hypertension.' Hypertension refers to high blood pressure, which is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high.
2. Step 2: Recognize that hypertension is not caused by a bacterial infection. It is primarily influenced by factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices (e.g., diet, physical activity), and other health conditions, rather than infectious agents.
3. Step 3: Clarify that hypertension does not exclusively affect the respiratory system. Instead, it primarily impacts the cardiovascular system, including the heart and blood vessels, and can lead to complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
4. Step 4: Address the misconception that hypertension is not a type of cardiovascular disease. Hypertension is indeed classified as a cardiovascular disease because it directly affects the heart and blood vessels and contributes to the risk of other cardiovascular conditions.
5. Step 5: Conclude by confirming that the correct statement is: 'Hypertension is classified as a type of cardiovascular disease,' as this aligns with the medical definition and understanding of the condition.