What consequence might occur if a patient abruptly stops taking an antihypertensive medication?

Abruptly stopping antihypertensive medication can lead to a phenomenon known as "hypertensive rebound." This occurs when there is a sudden increase in blood pressure after the medication is discontinued, often exceeding the blood pressure levels that were present before treatment began. The body's regulatory mechanisms may overreact in the absence of the medication, leading to heightened vascular resistance and sympathetic nervous system activity.

The risk of hypertensive rebound is particularly notable with certain classes of antihypertensive medications, such as beta-blockers, where the body becomes accustomed to the presence of the drug. When the medication is withdrawn without tapering off the dose, the abrupt loss of pharmacological effects can trigger a rapid rise in blood pressure and thereby increase the risk of cardiovascular events, such as stroke or heart attack.

Other options such as improved cardiovascular health, increased energy levels, and enhanced kidney function do not accurately describe the immediate consequences of sudden cessation of antihypertensive therapy. In fact, the opposite may occur: unmanaged high blood pressure can strain the heart and kidneys, leading to significantly worse health outcomes.