Blood pressure, the pressure blood exerts against the walls of blood vessels, is created by the pumping of the heart and the force the arteries apply as they resist blood flow, as described by the American Heart Association. Many factors contribute to blood pressure and can cause brief moments of increase or decrease, including stress, anxiety, physical activity, temperature, emotional state and medications. Sudden increases in blood pressure can occur due to a serious medical condition or due to outside influences.
Stopping Blood Pressure Medication
Patients suffering from high blood pressure, especially those with measurements above 160 mm Hg over 100 mm Hg, benefit from taking one or more types of medications to treat blood pressure, according to the Merck Manual. Several types of medications can help lower blood pressure and effective treatment often involves a combination of drugs. Because these medicines keep blood pressure low, abruptly stopping a medication can cause blood pressure to rise suddenly, which can lead to a stroke or heart attack, as described by the Merck Manual.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia, also known as pregnancy-induced hypertension or toxemia, causes a sudden increase in blood pressure, usually during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Preeclampsia affects approximately five to eight percent of all pregnancies and puts both mother and baby at risk for illness and even death, according to the Preeclampsia Foundation.
Illegal Drug Use
Taking illegal drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines, can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure. Cocaine, a drug derived from the coca plant, exists as a white powder or as a rock known as crack. Cocaine constricts the blood vessels and increases the heart rate resulting in high blood pressure. The classification of medications known as amphetamines includes both prescription drugs and illegal drugs. Drug abusers using methamphetamine, known on the street as uppers or crystal meth, experience the euphoric mind-altering effects. Methamphetamines also constrict blood vessels and increase heart rate, resulting in high blood pressure.
