Can stress cause high blood pressure?

Stress can cause a temporary elevation of blood pressure levels. A sudden elevation of hormones within the body causes this temporary spike in blood pressure. There is no definitive proof of long-term hypertension related to stress as of 2014, according to Mayo Clinic.

Although much about stress and its effect on high blood pressure is unknown, the surge of hormones released during stressful situations may cause damage to the arteries and lead to heart disease, explains Mayo Clinic. Behaviors related to stress may also play a factor in the development of hypertension, including poor sleeping habits, alcohol consumption and excessive consumption of food.