-
Overview
Causes of Sudden Increase in Blood PressureAccording to the Mayo clinic there are serious consequences to the body when high blood pressure goes unchecked. There are different reasons for a sudden increase in blood pressure; there are also reasons why some people have high blood pressure in general. Changing to a healthy lifestyle is just one way of treating high blood pressure. Of course, there are also other factors that cannot be controlled. However, there are ways to help keep blood pressure down.
Salt
Increased salt intake is a known reason for a sudden elevation of blood pressure. Not everyone is affected by high sodium intake. However, most Americans consume more sodium than necessary. This is because of the high sodium in fast food and processed foods. In fact, even over-the-counter pain killers have high doses of sodium.
Stress
Stress is another reason for a sudden increase in blood pressure. According to the Mayo clinic, when we encounter a stressful moment, our body goes into a flight-fight response mode. Our body produces stress hormones and our heart pumps faster, producing narrowing blood vessels. Hence, there is a temporary sudden increase in blood pressure.
Caffeine
Caffeine causes the blood vessels to narrow. In addition, it tells the body to produce more adrenaline and cortisol. People who do not normally drink caffeinated drinks and then consume one may experience a sudden increase in blood pressure. However, those who regularly drink caffeinated drinks may develop a tolerance to the caffeine.
Pain
Pain can sometimes cause a sudden increase in blood pressure. The increase will not come from chronic pain, but pain caused by injuries. The pain causes the heart rate and blood pressure to rise. To add injury to insult so to speak, when you take pain medicine that also adds to the increase in blood pressure. Not always, but in some people.
Considerations
Genetics is one answer to why people may have high blood pressure. "If one generation of a family has high blood pressure, it is not unusual for the next generation to have similarly high blood pressure," says the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). That is why the organization stresses the importance of writing down family health history. In fact, HHS is so serious about it that it has its own software tool that can help people with the documentation of it.
Prevention/Solution
Obesity is a major role in high blood pressure. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, "High blood pressure is twice as common in adults who are obese than in those who are at a healthy weight." Keeping your weight down is important. Exercising and eating right will help you not only lose weight but feel great too. In addition, if you discover that you have high blood pressure seek medical attention. Blood pressure medicine is often a good choice to help lower blood pressure while you are trying to lose weight and succeed at a healthier lifestyle.
