Among the listed factors, which one is specifically linked to hormone imbalance and hypertension?

High cortisol levels are specifically linked to hormone imbalance and hypertension because cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in the body's stress response. Elevated cortisol levels can lead to a range of physiological effects, one of which is an increase in blood pressure. This occurs through various mechanisms, including an increase in sodium retention in the kidneys and heightened sensitivity of blood vessels to other hormones that constrict blood vessels.

When cortisol levels are chronically high, often due to stress or conditions such as Cushing's syndrome, the regulation of blood pressure can become disrupted, leading to hypertension. The connection between cortisol, stress response, and blood pressure is well documented in medical literature, making high cortisol levels a significant factor in both hormonal imbalances and the development of hypertension.

In contrast, low blood pressure is not associated with hormone imbalances inducing hypertension; rather, it indicates the opposite scenario. Low potassium intake may contribute to hypertension, but it does not directly relate to hormone levels specifically. High fiber consumption is generally associated with various health benefits, including improved heart health and potentially lower blood pressure, but it is not a direct factor linked to hormone imbalance or hypertension.