Usually, high blood pressure develops gradually over many years, with no known cause. This type is called essential hypertension.
But a sudden jump in blood pressure, called secondary hypertension, is something you will want to discuss with your doctor because often there is an identifiable cause – and it may be something you can fix.
Causes
Secondary hypertension can be caused by over-the-counter and prescription medications or herbal supplements. Cold remedies, nasal decongestants, and appetite suppressants containing pseudoephedrine may aggravate blood pressure. Prescription medications such as sibutramine (Meridia), steroids, and others can elevate blood pressure. So can pain, acute stress, or using alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine.
A number of medical conditions – such as reduced kidney function – can also cause secondary hypertension. One of your kidneys' normal functions is to help control blood pressure. Essential hypertension or kidney disease can injure the kidneys, contributing to even higher blood pressure.
It's important to control both essential and secondary hypertension, since not doing so can lead to other health problems, including an increased risk of stroke. |
