What might be a dangerous consequence of untreated bleeding esophageal varices?

When considering the consequences of untreated bleeding esophageal varices, hemorrhage is a critical outcome. Esophageal varices are swollen veins in the esophagus that can rupture, leading to significant, potentially life-threatening bleeding. This condition often occurs in individuals with liver cirrhosis or portal hypertension, where the increase in pressure within the portal venous system causes the veins to enlarge and become fragile.

If these varices bleed, the immediate result is hemorrhage, which can rapidly deplete the body's blood volume, leading to shock and possibly death if not addressed swiftly. This makes it a dangerous consequence because it necessitates urgent medical intervention to stabilize the patient, stop the bleeding, and prevent further complications.

The other options, while they can occur in various medical conditions, do not directly relate to the immediate and life-threatening nature of untreated bleeding esophageal varices. For instance, fluid retention often results from liver disease but is not an acute consequence of variceal bleeding. Increased heart rate can occur as a response to many physiological issues, including shock from hemorrhage, but is a symptom rather than a direct consequence. Sepsis could result from an infection related to liver disease or other complications, but it is not an immediate consequence of the acute bleeding