Western Governors University (WGU) NURS2508 D236 Pathophysiology Practice Exam

The main characteristic of benign hypertension is chronic vascular damage due to sodium retention. In this condition, the body retains sodium, which leads to increased blood volume and, consequently, elevated blood pressure over an extended period. This prolonged elevation can result in sustained damage to blood vessels and organs, but it typically progresses slowly and does not cause immediate or acute harm, distinguishing it from more severe forms of hypertension.

Chronic vascular damage manifests as thickening of the arterial walls, reduced elasticity, and increased vascular resistance, contributing to long-term cardiovascular risks. Patients with benign hypertension often do not exhibit the more acute complications associated with malignant hypertension, where blood pressure spikes lead to immediate organ damage.

Understanding this aspect of benign hypertension highlights the importance of monitoring and managing blood pressure over the long term to prevent cardiovascular complications effectively.