What is a potential consequence of abruptly stopping antihypertensive medication?

Abruptly stopping antihypertensive medication can lead to rebound hypertension, which is characterized by a sudden increase in blood pressure that can exceed pre-treatment levels. This is particularly significant for certain classes of antihypertensive drugs, such as beta-blockers and clonidine. The underlying reason for this phenomenon is that these medications help regulate blood vessel tone and heart rate. When they are discontinued suddenly, the body may react with an exaggerated response, as it has become accustomed to the controlled state induced by the medication. As a result, potential complications arise, including risks for hypertension-related events such as stroke or heart attack due to the rapid increase in blood pressure.

Other choices involve situations that are not typically associated with the abrupt discontinuation of antihypertensive medications. For example, rebound hypotension refers to a drop in blood pressure, which is not a consequence of stopping these drugs but can occur with certain medications if not managed properly. Postural hypertension involves low blood pressure when standing up, which is a different issue and may occur due to other factors rather than stopping antihypertensive treatment.