Which of the following can cause an increase in blood pressure?

Emotional anxiety is indeed known to cause an increase in blood pressure. When a person experiences anxiety, the body activates its "fight or flight" response, which leads to the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare the body for immediate physical action by increasing heart rate and constricting blood vessels, resulting in elevated blood pressure. This physiological response is essential for survival in stressful situations, but in chronic cases of anxiety, it can lead to consistently high blood pressure levels.

While dehydration can also influence blood pressure, it often leads to a decrease in blood volume, which typically results in lower rather than higher blood pressure. Low sodium intake tends to lower blood pressure because sodium helps maintain fluid balance and blood volume. Sleep deprivation can contribute to various health problems, including high blood pressure, but the connection is usually more indirect and can vary based on other factors. Emotional anxiety, however, has a direct and immediate impact on blood pressure levels.