Problem: Check My Work Alice, a 60-year-old woman, has been diagnosed with hypertension. Her doctor informs her that her high blood pressure could worsen her risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Which of the following is the most likely reason for this connection? Need Assignment Help? a. Hypertension increases the workload on the heart, causing damage to blood vessels and promoting plaque formation. b. Hypertension only affects the heart and does not influence the development of atherosclerosis. c. Hypertension causes a reduction in blood flow, which prevents the formation of fatty streaks in the arteries. d. High blood pressure leads to a decrease in peripheral resistance, making arteries more flexible and preventing plaque buildup