Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

Which factor is closely related to high blood pressure?

1. Excessive alcohol consumption

2. Being overweight

3. Lack of physical activity

4. Genetic predisposition

The correct answer is: Being overweight

Being overweight is closely related to high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, due to several physiological mechanisms. Excess body weight can lead to an increase in blood volume, heightened cardiac output, and elevated resistance in the blood vessels. This results in the heart working harder to pump blood, which contributes to higher blood pressure levels. Furthermore, excess weight is often associated with a greater likelihood of developing insulin resistance and inflammation, which can further exacerbate hypertension. Managing body weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity is often recommended as a proactive measure to help control and reduce blood pressure. While excessive alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, and genetic predisposition can also influence blood pressure, the strong link between obesity and hypertension is well-established, making being overweight a particularly significant factor in the development of high blood pressure.