End-Organ Damage Mechanisms · USMLE Step 1

How does oxidative stress contribute to end-organ damage in hypertension and vascular disease?

  1. By reducing arterial plaque formation
  2. By boosting mitochondrial biogenesis in endothelium
  3. By damaging endothelium and driving inflammation
  4. By accelerating removal of lipids from vessel walls
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Correct answer: By damaging endothelium and driving inflammation

Excess reactive oxygen species damage endothelial cells, trigger inflammation, and promote vascular remodeling and fibrosis — contributing to target-organ injury in hypertension.

Difficulty: Medium Question 4 of 20

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