Sudden high blood pressure can occur for a range of reasons. These can include high levels of stress, using certain medications, or underlying medical conditions.
It is natural for a person’s blood pressure to fluctuate throughout the day and increase slightly at certain points, such as during exercise. However, a sudden and significant rise in blood pressure may cause serious symptoms or require medical attention.
This article discusses the causes of sudden high blood pressure, including information on who may be more at risk of developing it and when to get help. It also answers some frequently asked questions on the topic.
Taking a person’s blood pressure includes two separate measurements: systolic and diastolic pressure. Another term for high blood pressure is hypertension.
According to the
If the readings show a systolic pressure of 180 mm Hg or higher, a diastolic pressure of 120 mm Hg or higher, or both, this indicates a more severe rise in blood pressure. This is also known as a hypertensive crisis.
There are several reasons that a person may experience sudden high blood pressure, including:
Hypertensive emergency refers to a significant rise in blood pressure and has associations with organ dysfunction.
Two of the
In some cases, a sudden rise in blood pressure can be a serious medical emergency, especially if it is very high. This
Signs of a severe blood pressure rise include:
- chest pain
- headache
- dizziness
- shortness of breath
- vomiting
- changes in vision
- confusion or altered mental state
- decreased urine output
- numbness or weakness
If a person thinks they may be experiencing hypertensive urgency or emergency, they need to seek medical help immediately.
If someone believes they may be experiencing a sudden rise in blood pressure but do not feel unwell, they need to consult a healthcare professional to assess the cause.
Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing sudden high blood pressure. These can include:
- being a smoker
- working in a high-stress job
- having an anxiety or panic disorder
- having chronic kidney disease
- having obesity
- having an alcohol or substance use disorder
- being pregnant
- having a sleep disorder
If a person is feeling unwell due to sudden high blood pressure, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional.
However, certain methods may help reduce a sudden blood pressure spike, such as:
- taking slow, deep breaths
- using relaxation techniques
drinking water - taking part in
mild exercise such as gentle walking or stretching - taking a cold shower
being in the sun
Read more about ways to lower blood pressure naturally.
These methods may only temporarily help. A more effective solution to reducing sudden high blood pressure is to determine and deal with the underlying cause, especially if it is a persistent issue.
Sudden high blood pressure can sometimes lead to severe symptoms or complications, such as:
- heart attack
- heart failure
- kidney damage or failure
- vision loss
- bleeding in the brain
- stroke
- acute encephalopathy, a condition involving changes to a person’s mental status
What causes blood pressure to go very high suddenly?
There are several reasons why blood pressure suddenly increases. More common reasons include:
- missing a dose of blood pressure medication
- experiencing a high-stress situation
- consuming stimulants such as caffeine
What is emergency treatment for high blood pressure at home?
It may be possible to treat sudden high blood pressure at home by taking slow and deep breaths, using relaxation techniques, or drinking water. However, these are not long-term solutions for high blood pressure.
Some people can monitor their blood pressure using at-home devices. If someone experiences chest pain, shortness of breath, vision changes, or confusion, they need to seek immediate medical care.
Why is my blood pressure high without any reason?
Sometimes, blood pressure can suddenly rise for reasons that may not be obvious, such as stress, caffeine, illness, or infection. In some cases, a sudden increase in blood pressure could indicate an underlying problem.
If high blood pressure is a persistent problem, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional.
There are many reasons a person may experience sudden high blood pressure. Some of these are less serious, such as consuming caffeine or taking certain medications. However, some cases of sudden high blood pressure may be due to a serious underlying condition or another medical emergency.
It is essential for people to have regular blood pressure checks, especially if they have a condition or other risk factors for spikes in their blood pressure. Persistent hypertension can lead to severe and long-term complications.