In this guide
6 min readLiver Care
Portal hypertension means high pressure in the liver blood flow system, commonly due to cirrhosis. It can lead to varices, ascites, enlarged spleen and bleeding risk.
Key Takeaways
- Why it happens
- Esophageal or gastric varices
- Vomiting blood or black stool
- Ascites
- Low platelets
Why it happens
Scarring in the liver can block normal blood flow and increase pressure in veins around the food pipe, stomach and abdomen.
Complications
Portal hypertension can cause serious complications.
- Esophageal or gastric varices
- Vomiting blood or black stool
- Ascites
- Low platelets
- Enlarged spleen
Tests
Evaluation may include ultrasound, FibroScan, blood tests, endoscopy for varices and liver disease work-up.
Prevention
Medicines, variceal banding, salt restriction, alcohol avoidance and regular follow-up may reduce complication risk.