Causes of High Blood Pressure Spikes

High blood pressure spikes can happen to people of all ages and fitness levels. Knowing what triggers the spike will help you avoid these situations in the future.

Heat

Some people experience high blood pressure spikes due to extreme temperatures. This happens because the body increases blood circulation to maintain its internal temperature.

Medication

Prescription drugs like corticosteroids, asthma medications and migraine remedies can cause a spike of high blood pressure. Check with your doctor if you experience a change in blood pressure after starting a new medication.

Illness

Certain kidney diseases, problems in the adrenal glands, and other illnesses may raise blood pressure. Disorders that affect hormones can also cause blood pressure to spike when the body becomes out of balance.

Sleep Apnea

The intermittent struggles to breathe that comes along with sleep apnea may lead to high blood pressure spikes during the night. Treating the sleep apnea with a CPAP machine usually corrects the blood pressure issues.

Warning

High blood pressure spikes can damage the heart, eyes, and internal organs. If the high blood pressure persists, stroke or cardiac arrest may occur.