By how much does cardiovascular risk increase for each increment of 20 mm Hg systolic and 10 mm Hg diastolic in blood pressure?

The correct answer highlights a significant aspect of cardiovascular health: for each increment of 20 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and 10 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure, the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke, increases substantially. This incremental increase in blood pressure correlates with a doubling of the risk, which is reflected in the 100% increase in cardiovascular risk.

Research has consistently shown that hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and even moderate elevations in blood pressure can have profound implications for an individual's health. The direct relationship between blood pressure and cardiovascular risk underlines the importance of managing blood pressure levels through lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication.

In this context, the other options represent lower levels of risk increase, which do not align with the strong evidence indicating that a doubling effect occurs with these specific increments in blood pressure. Understanding this relationship underlines the critical importance of hypertension management in reducing overall cardiovascular risk.