What is a primary consequence of chronic ammonia elevation?

Chronic elevation of ammonia in the bloodstream primarily leads to central nervous system complications. Elevated ammonia levels, a condition known as hyperammonemia, can result from various factors such as liver dysfunction, urea cycle disorders, or certain medications. The liver typically converts ammonia to urea for excretion. When this process is impaired, ammonia can accumulate, leading to neurotoxic effects.

High ammonia levels affect neuronal function and can lead to symptoms ranging from mild confusion and lethargy to severe neurological impairment, including encephalopathy, convulsions, or coma. The brain is particularly susceptible because ammonia can cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to swelling of astrocytes and impaired neurotransmission.

While other options represent health issues that can occur due to various conditions, they are not directly caused by chronic ammonia elevation. For instance, hypoglycemia may be a result of liver dysfunction, but it is not a direct consequence of high ammonia levels. Hypertension and blood clotting disorders have different underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and are not closely tied to ammonia elevation as a primary factor. Therefore, central nervous system complications are the most direct and serious consequence of chronic ammonia elevation.