What happens to blood pressure as blood vessels become clogged?

As blood vessels become clogged, a condition often associated with atherosclerosis or plaque buildup, the normal flow of blood is impeded. This obstruction leads to an increase in resistance that the heart must overcome to pump blood through the narrowed vessels. As a result, the pressure within the blood vessels increases, causing blood pressure to spike. This heightened pressure can lead to a range of health issues, including hypertension and increased risk of heart disease or stroke.

In contrast, the other outcomes—decrease, stabilization, or remaining the same—would not typically occur as vessels become increasingly narrow and obstructed. A decrease in blood pressure would suggest improved blood flow or dilatation of the vessels, stabilization indicates lack of change despite obstruction, and remaining the same implies no impact from the blockage, all of which run counter to the physiological response expected when blood vessels are clogged.