Blood Pressure Becomes High Suddenly, What Happens?

Excessive Stress or Anxiety

Your blood pressure can increase when you are under more stress or anxiety than usual. Nearly 25 percent of individuals who have their blood pressure checked while at the doctor's office or in an emergency room will have elevated levels of blood pressure due to fear, anxiety, and stress. This is due to the release of hormones that cause the blood vessels to constrict when experiencing stress. Pain can also have this same effect.

Medications or Drugs

A side effect of a number of medications is increase in blood pressure. Birth control pills are one kind of common medications that can elevate blood pressure for a prolonged period of time and even lead to high hypertension. Many over the counter drugs also suddenly increase blood pressure like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Advil and Motrin). Other illegal drugs like cocaine will also suddenly raise your blood pressure.

Salt

Foods or beverages that have high salt content can also increase blood pressure. Sodium will cause more fluids to be retained in the body which will cause blood pressure to rise for a short period of time. This excessive salt intake during heavy meals results in more hormones being released in the body that has an effect on blood pressure.

Using Tobacco Products

Nicotine immediately affects the blood pressure in the body. This substance affects the blood vessels from functioning properly and causes inflammation in the circulatory system, making arteries harder and resulting in higher blood pressure.

Health Conditions

Kidney disease, scleroderma, tumors and spinal injuries can also cause higher blood pressure. This is especially true when health issues arise with the adrenal glands. High blood pressure can also be a result of certain injuries or accidents.

Other Causes of High Blood Pressure.

Hormonal imbalances or weight gain will also cause the blood pressure to increase suddenly. So pregnant women may suffer from an increase in blood pressure. Tea, coffee, and alcohol consumption can also have a negative effect on the blood pressure, making it high. 

When your blood pressure increases sudden, you may feel dizzy, blurred vision, feel off balance, vertigo, difficulty breathing, tightening of the chest, numbness of the legs or arms and headaches. Severe causes of increased blood pressure can result in bleeding or blood vessel damage, rupture of the retina nerves, causing blindness. In rare instances, seizures, confusion, coma, and altered mental state have also occurred.

In any case, an increase in blood pressure should be taken seriously and medical attention should be sought right away. A doctor will be able to best determine what the underlying cause for the increase in blood pressure is and find the best way to deal with this issue. In most cases, intravenous therapy is needed as well as other additional therapies, depending on the final diagnoses of the problem.

Natural Remedies

• Lemon - The high concentrate of vitamin C in lemons can help prevent high blood pressure. Vitamin C can help reduce inflammation and fight off free radical that can be causing damage to the blood vessels. Consume up to one lemon a day.
  

• Garlic - Consuming 4 grams of garlic a day can help keep blood pressure balanced while boosting the immune system. Garlic has anti-hypertensive properties that make it great blood thinner which keeps your blood pressure lower.

• Celery - Consuming celery can help keep muscles relaxed, making it easier for blood to pass through the body. Celery contains photochemical that is known to relax muscles and can help prevent clogging of the blood vessels.

• Coconut Water - Consuming coconut water every day can help maintain a normal blood pressure. Coconut water contains high amounts of vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium which all help lower blood pressure.

• Fenugreek Seed - Fenugreek seed contains a significant amount of fiber. This fiber can help maintain a normal blood pressure level. Consuming one tablespoon of fenugreek seed by making a paste is recommended. Boil 2 spoonfuls of the seed in water. Once the seeds are softened, you can blitz them to create a paste.

Change in Lifestyle.

• Reduce Stress - Take part in more creative activities like painting, swimming or other forms of exercise to reduce stress build up.

• Reduce or Eliminate Bad Habits - Quit smoking and limit your alcohol and caffeine consumption. You can consult your doctor to determine how much caffeine or alcohol is suitable for daily consumption.

• Cut Back on Saturated Fat - Make healthier choices when it comes to snack food. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetable which can help prevent sudden high blood pressure.

• Limit Salt Consumption - Salt is a common factor when it comes to increased blood pressure. While salt is almost impossible to completely cut out of your diet, you can limit the amount you consume on a daily basis. Eat low salt foods and cut back on or eliminate salty snack foods.

• Exercise - Exercise helps you burn off excess fats and will help keep blood pressure balanced. Include at least 20 to 30 minutes of exercise 3 to five days a week to keep your heart healthy and keep the body nourished.

• Check Blood Pressure Regularly - Keeping a close watch on your blood pressure will help you keep better control of it. If diagnosed with high blood pressure, you should check your blood pressure, heart rate, and sugar levels regularly and report any concerns to your doctor immediately.