In analyzing pathophysiology, which mechanisms link excess adiposity to hypertension and atherosclerotic disease? Choose the BEST integrated explanation.

There is no plausible physiological pathway connecting adipose tissue to vascular disease; observational associations are coincidental

Excess adiposity only increases physical compressive forces on arteries, which is the sole reason for increased blood pressure in people with obesity

Adipose tissue promotes inflammation, insulin resistance, and dysregulated renin–angiotensin signaling leading to vascular dysfunction, increased blood pressure, and pro-atherogenic lipid changes

Adipose tissue contains high levels of oxygen that directly poison endothelial cells causing immediate vessel rupture and hypertension