Sudden High Blood Pressure: Causes and Concerns

Sudden increase in blood pressure?

Hello, Doctor.
I have some questions to ask you.
I apologize for not being able to recall some of my blood pressure readings clearly, so I can only provide approximate numbers.
On the morning of April 29th at around 10:30 AM, my blood pressure was 167/8X.
On the evening of April 30th at around 7:00 PM, my blood pressure was 151/110.
However, on the evening of April 17th at 8:10 PM, my blood pressure was 12X/8X, and on the morning of April 19th at 8:30 AM, it was 113/83.
In between, on April 25th, I had my wisdom teeth extracted, and I received anesthesia, which caused my face to swell and hurt for a few days.
For the following days, I only ate porridge and took antibiotics to prevent infection, as well as painkillers.
Below are the results from my health check on April 19th, which showed that everything related to cardiovascular health was normal: blood pressure 113/83, total serum cholesterol 182, triglycerides 83, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol 42, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 123, cholesterol/HDL ratio 4.33, and LDL/HDL ratio 2.93.
I would like to ask what could be the reason for my blood pressure suddenly spiking within a few days.
Could it be related to the tooth extraction?

mei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/01

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology

Hello, any discomfort in the body can lead to unstable blood pressure.
However, it is difficult to say that one has hypertension solely based on short-term blood pressure abnormalities.
It is possible that the fluctuations are due to factors such as tooth extraction, and it may be sufficient to monitor the situation.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2017/05/01

More Info

Understanding sudden high blood pressure can be quite concerning, especially when you notice significant fluctuations in your readings over a short period. Based on the information you've provided, there are several factors that could contribute to your sudden increase in blood pressure.

Firstly, let's consider the context of your recent health events. You mentioned that you underwent a wisdom tooth extraction on April 25, which involved anesthesia and possibly pain management medications. The stress of the procedure, along with the pain and swelling that followed, could have triggered a temporary increase in blood pressure. Stress and pain are known to activate the body's "fight or flight" response, leading to the release of stress hormones like adrenaline. This can cause your heart rate to increase and blood vessels to constrict, resulting in elevated blood pressure.

Additionally, the medications you took post-surgery, including pain relievers and antibiotics, may also have side effects that could influence blood pressure. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), commonly used for pain relief, can lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure in some individuals. If you were on a course of antibiotics, while they typically do not affect blood pressure directly, any underlying infection or inflammation could also contribute to stress on your body, further complicating your blood pressure readings.

Another important aspect to consider is your overall lifestyle and health status. You mentioned that your blood pressure readings were within a normal range just a few days prior to the spike. This suggests that there may be an acute factor at play rather than a chronic condition. However, it’s essential to monitor your blood pressure regularly, especially if you notice persistent elevations. Factors such as anxiety, lack of sleep, dietary changes, and even dehydration can contribute to fluctuations in blood pressure.

In your case, the readings of 167/84 and 151/110 are concerning, particularly the diastolic reading of 110, which indicates that your blood vessels are under significant pressure even when your heart is at rest. High diastolic blood pressure can be particularly worrisome as it may indicate increased resistance in the blood vessels, which can lead to complications over time, including heart disease and stroke.

Given your recent health events and the fluctuations in your blood pressure, it would be prudent to take the following steps:
1. Monitor Your Blood Pressure Regularly: Keep a log of your readings at different times of the day and under different conditions (rested, after meals, etc.). This will help you and your healthcare provider identify patterns and potential triggers.

2. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Given the significant changes in your blood pressure, it would be wise to discuss these readings with your doctor. They may recommend further evaluation to rule out any underlying conditions, such as secondary hypertension, which can be caused by issues with the kidneys, adrenal glands, or other factors.

3. Manage Stress: Since stress can significantly impact blood pressure, consider incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise into your daily routine.

4. Review Medications: Discuss any medications you are taking with your healthcare provider to ensure they are not contributing to your elevated blood pressure.

5. Lifestyle Modifications: Maintain a balanced diet low in sodium, engage in regular physical activity, and ensure adequate hydration. These lifestyle changes can help manage blood pressure effectively.

In summary, while your recent dental procedure and the associated stress may have contributed to your elevated blood pressure, it is essential to monitor your readings closely and consult with your healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation. They can help determine the underlying causes and recommend appropriate management strategies to ensure your blood pressure remains within a healthy range.

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