Stress, pain, a full bladder, caffeine, prescription and OTC medications can influence blood pressure. Tobacco and alcohol usage before blood pressure is taken can also raise blood pressure. High blood pressure tends to occur with increasing age. It is also more common and develops at an earlier age in blacks than in whites. Factors such as obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, diet and heredity can increase chances of high blood pressure.
Lifestyle modification is advised for patients diagnosed with hypertension.