1. Stress and anxiety
According to the National Institutes of Health, intense stress or anxiety can cause a sudden spike in blood pressure.
Additionally, injury can also cause a sudden increase in blood pressure by releasing hormones that constrict blood vessels.
2. Using too much salt
Eating too much salty food can cause a sudden spike in blood pressure because sodium causes the body to retain more fluid. Blood pressure can spike within about 30 minutes of eating a meal that is too salty.
According to the American Heart Association, blood pressure can drop within hours to days of cutting back and eating less salt.
3. Smoking
When you smoke, you are directly inhaling nicotine, which has an immediate effect on your blood pressure.
Nicotine causes changes in the functioning of blood vessels and causes inflammation in the circulatory system, contributing to hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to the CDC, even fewer than five cigarettes a day can contribute to these negative effects on blood vessels, heart, and blood pressure.
