Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is when that force is too high and begins to harm your body. If left untreated, it can eventually cause damage to your heart and blood vessels.
Your blood pressure is measured in two numbers: The top number, systolic pressure, measures the force pushing against your artery walls when your heart contracts. The bottom number, diastolic pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
Sudden spikes in blood pressure can happen for many reasons. These can include high levels of stress, the use of certain medications, or underlying medical conditions.
It is normal for a person’s blood pressure to fluctuate throughout the day and to increase slightly at certain times, such as when exercising. However, a sudden and significant increase in blood pressure can cause serious symptoms or require medical attention.
Sudden high blood pressure can sometimes lead to serious complications such as: heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage or failure, vision loss, bleeding in the brain, stroke, acute brain disease.
What causes sudden high blood pressure?
A person’s blood pressure measurement includes two separate measurements: systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Another term for high blood pressure is hypertension.
A person has stage 1 hypertension when the systolic blood pressure reading is between 130 and 139 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and the diastolic blood pressure reading is between 80 and 89 mm Hg.
If the reading shows a systolic blood pressure of 180 mm Hg or higher, a diastolic blood pressure of 120 mm Hg or higher, or both, this indicates a more serious increase in blood pressure. This is also called a hypertensive crisis.
A person can develop a sudden high blood pressure for the following reasons:
- Using caffeine or other stimulants
- Certain medications
- Missing doses of certain medications
- Stress or anxiety
- Pain
- Smoking
- Illness or infection
- Violent physical activity
- Organ damage or organ failure
A hypertensive emergency refers to a significant increase in blood pressure that is associated with organ dysfunction.
Two of the most common causes of a hypertensive emergency include missing a dose of blood pressure medication and using sympathomimetic stimulants, such as medications, caffeine, and other stimulants. Sympathomimetic stimulants stimulate the body’s fight-or-flight response.
In some cases, a sudden increase in blood pressure can be a serious medical emergency, especially if the blood pressure is very high.
Signs of severe high blood pressure include: chest pain, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, vomiting, vision changes confusion or altered mental status, decreased urine output, numbness or weakness.
If a person thinks they may be experiencing a hypertensive emergency or emergency, they should seek immediate medical help.
If someone believes they may be experiencing a hypertensive emergency but does not feel unwell, they should consult a healthcare professional to assess the cause.
How to lower sudden high blood pressure?
If a person feels unwell due to sudden high blood pressure, it is essential to talk to a healthcare professional.
However, certain methods can help reduce sudden spikes in blood pressure, such as:
- Taking slow, deep breaths
- Using relaxation techniques
- Drinking water
- Taking part in light exercise such as walking or stretching
These methods may only have a temporary effect. A more effective solution to sudden spikes in blood pressure is to identify and address the underlying cause, especially if it is a persistent problem.
