1. Stress and anxiety
According to the US National Institutes of Health, intense stress or anxiety can cause blood pressure to suddenly increase.
In addition, injury can also cause a sudden increase in blood pressure by releasing hormones that constrict blood vessels.
2. Using too much salt
The habit of eating too much salty food can cause blood pressure to suddenly increase because sodium causes the body to retain more fluid. Blood pressure can spike for about 30 minutes after 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, it means you are inhaling nicotine directly, which will have an immediate effect on blood pressure.
Nicotine causes changes in blood vessel function and causes inflammation in the circulatory system, contributing to hardening of arteries and high blood pressure, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to the CDC, even less than five cigarettes a day can contribute to these negative effects on blood vessels, the heart and blood pressure.
