Portal hypertension

Portal hypertension is high blood pressure in the portal vein. The portal vein carries blood from digestive organs to the liver. If blood vessels in the liver are blocked, portal hypertension occurs. When blood can’t flow normally through the portal vein, it returns to the heart using other blood vessels. These blood vessels, called varices, become swollen because of the increased amount of blood flowing through them. Varices are fragile and can break open and bleed. Bleeding from broken varices can be serious.

Risk factors

The most common cause of portal hypertension is cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis occurs when scar tissue forms in the liver as a result of liver damage. Liver damage often is caused by alcohol abuse or hepatitis (an infection of the liver). The scar tissue blocks the blood from flowing normally through the portal vein. Portal hypertension also can be caused by blood clots in the portal vein.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of portal hypertension are:

• stools that are black and tarry or bloody
• vomiting blood
• fluid in the abdomen
• confusion and forgetfulness
• reduced levels of platelets (which help form blood clots) or white blood cells (which fight infection)

Prevention

The most important steps you can take to keep your liver healthy are to avoid alcohol and drugs and live a healthy lifestyle.