Portal Hypertension Liver Disease

Also known as: portal hypertension, cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

What is portal hypertension liver disease?

Liver disease, often in the form of liver damage known as cirrhosis, and portal hypertension tend to go hand in hand. Liver disease causes liver damage (cirrhosis), which in turn obstructs the flow of blood carried to the liver by the portal vein. This leads to portal hypertension, which is high blood pressure in the portal vein.
 

What causes portal hypertension liver disease?

The liver damage due to liver disease is often the direct cause of portal hypertension. This damage can block or partially obstruct the portal vein and cause the condition.
 

What are the symptoms of portal hypertension liver disease?

When portal hypertension liver disease is present, symptoms can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), weakness, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain and swelling, skin itchiness, weight loss, easy bleeding, and other complications.
 

What are portal hypertension liver disease care options?

Once the liver has been damaged, it can’t be repaired. Medications and medical procedures can be used to prevent further damage and enhance the flow of blood through the portal vein. Certain medical procedures can also help with blood flow and reduce the risks of portal hypertension. Ultimately the cure is liver transplantation.

Reviewed by: Shifra A Koyfman, MD

This page was last updated on: March 20, 2019 04:07 PM