Portal Hypertension

Portal hypertension is a medical condition characterized by increased blood pressure in the portal vein, which carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver. It is usually caused by liver disease or blockage of the portal vein, or both. The most common cause is cirrhosis, a condition in which scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue. This scar tissue blocks the flow of blood through the liver, resulting in increased pressure in the portal vein. The most common symptom of portal hypertension is the enlargement of veins in the esophagus and stomach. These veins, known as esophageal and gastric varices, can rupture, leading to life-threatening bleeding. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Treatment for portal hypertension is aimed at reducing the pressure in the portal vein. This can be done by decreasing the amount of fluid in the portal vein, or by widening the vein. Medications such as beta-blockers, nitrates, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used to reduce the pressure in the portal vein. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove blockages or to widen the vein.