According to the Mayo Clinic, blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood the heart pumps and the level of resistance to blood flow in the arteries. Sporadic blood pressure readings can indicate minor problems such as a stressful reaction to a situation or more serious problems such as a heart arrhythmia or an illness. For an adult, a normal blood pressure reading should have numbers under 120 systolic (top number) and 80 diastolic (bottom number).
Heart Arrhythmia
According to the Mayo Clinic, heart rhythm problems, or a heart arrhythmia, are caused by the electrical impulses in the heart. When these impulses function improperly, the heart can beat either too fast or slow. The Mayo Clinic suggests most people experience an occasional arrhythmia. They are generally not a cause for concern but can be dangerous. Symptoms such as fluttering in the chest, racing or slow heart beats, dizziness, trouble catching your breath, fainting, and chest pain are signs of a heart arrhythmia. Some individuals, however, have no symptoms and might discover an arrhythmia through sporadic blood pressure readings or doctor exams.
Illness
According to the Mayo Clinic, cholera is a bacterial disease that is typically spread through consumption of contaminated water. The result is severe diarrhea, muscle cramps, dehydration, nausea, vomiting and shock. Hypovolemic shock can be serious, even fatal. It is a result of low blood volume, causing a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can lead to a reduction in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues. Seek prompt medical attention if changes in blood pressure occur with these other symptoms.
Stress
According to the Mayo Clinic, stressful situations can lead to a temporary spike in blood pressure. Researchers are unsure, however, if chronic stress can lead to long-term high blood pressure. Though avoiding stressful situations can sometimes be impossible, taking action to reduce feelings of stress can be done in several ways. Meditation, exercise and indulging in a hobby or enjoyable activity can relieve stress.
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when more fluids are lost than taken in. When this happens, the body might be unable to carry out its usual functions. According to the Mayo Clinic, when an individual becomes dehydrated, his blood pressure could drastically drop. Other symptoms of dehydration include extreme thirst, lack of sweating, reduced or dark colored urination, sunken eyes, shriveled skin, rapid heartbeat, fever and confusion. In severe situations, unconsciousness could result.
