What leads to thickening of arterial walls in hypertension?

The thickening of arterial walls in hypertension primarily occurs due to constant high pressure exerted on the vessel walls. When blood pressure remains elevated over time, it places stress on the arterial walls, leading to a series of adaptive responses from the body.

The increased pressure prompts the smooth muscle cells in the arterial walls to undergo hypertrophy (increase in size) and hyperplasia (increase in number). This response thickens the walls of the arteries, which is a structural adaptation to help withstand the higher pressures. Over time, this thickening can lead to a loss of elasticity in the arteries, contributing further to cardiovascular disease risks.

In contrast, other options do not exhibit the same direct relationship with arterial wall thickening as constant high pressure does. Low blood flow typically results from vasodilation or other conditions, which would not lead to thickening. Rapid weight loss and increased hydration are generally unrelated to the mechanisms that cause arterial thickening in the context of hypertension.