High blood pressure is usually a chronic disease that leads to damaging effects on the heart and kidneys. Hypertension can also be acute, which means that it occurs for a short period of time and is not a chronic condition. Several lifestyle factors can lead to these temporary increases in blood pressure.
Caffeine
According to medical professionals from Columbia University, caffeine intake has the temporary effect of increasing blood pressure in people who usually have normal blood pressure levels. However, there is no evidence that caffeine intake leads to chronic hypertension. People who have been diagnosed with hypertension or pre-hypertension seem to be affected more by caffeine intake.
Nicotine
The nicotine found in cigarettes is highly addictive and contains a number of carcinogens. It also causes the blood vessels to become narrower. This constriction of the vessels causes an increase in blood pressure. Quitting smoking can help avoid this increase in blood pressure and can also reduce the risk of developing heart disease, bladder cancer and lung cancer.
Medications
Some medications can cause temporary increases in blood pressure. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause the body to retain fluid and can also lead to decreased kidney function. Excess fluid puts increased pressure on the blood vessels and can cause blood pressure to increase. Examples of NSAIDs include naproxen, aspirin and ibuprofen. Decongestants may also lead to an increased heart rate and blood pressure. Pseudoephedrine is an example of a decongestant that can cause acute hypertension. Weight loss drugs that contain caffeine or other chemicals designed to control the appetite or speed metabolism can lead to high blood pressure and an increased heart rate. Migraine medicines that constrict the blood vessels in the head to relieve migraine pain also constrict the blood vessels in the rest of the body. This constriction leads to increased blood pressure.
Alcohol
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, someone who drinks more than three alcoholic drinks per day is at risk for developing hypertension. When alcohol is in the bloodstream, it pushes blood away from the heart. This interferes with blood flow and makes the heart work harder to pump blood. This causes an increase in blood pressure.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy-induced hypertension is an elevation of the blood pressure during pregnancy. According to the University of Virginia Health System, it occurs in five to eight percent of all pregnancies. It is accompanied by protein in the urine and swelling. This condition occurs more frequently in women who have had pregnancy-induced hypertension before and in twin pregnancies. Once childbirth occurs, blood pressure levels usually return to normal.
Sodium
Sodium can lead to acute increases in hypertension because of the effects it has on the body. When excess sodium is consumed, the body retains fluid. The fluid creates extra press on the walls of the blood vessels, which increases blood pressure. Someone who has a very salty snack or meal may experience a temporary increase in blood pressure. Long-term consumption of high-sodium foods can lead to chronic hypertension.
