Portal Hypertension happens when blood pressure rises too high in the portal vein system, which carries blood from your digestive organs to your liver. Elevated pressure forces nearby veins-especially in the stomach, esophagus, spleen, or intestines-to swell and can lead to serious complications if untreated.
You may not notice signs early on. As pressure builds, you might experience:
Portal Hypertension can arise from various conditions that obstruct or back up blood flow through the liver:
Don't let portal hypertension define your life. At GastroDoxs in Houston, our expert team offers tailored treatment plans, cutting-edge procedures, and compassionate support every step of the way. Schedule your consultation today-call us at 832-632-4070 or book online-to start your journey toward better liver health and lasting relief.
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Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
The ICD-10 code for portal hypertension is K76.6, which covers both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic types.
Diagnosis often involves imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan, endoscopy to inspect for varices, and sometimes direct pressure measurements within the portal vein.
Early signs may include fatigue, fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites), or an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly).
While advanced cirrhosis is generally irreversible, early-stage liver scarring can sometimes improve with lifestyle changes, medical treatment, and close monitoring.
A diet low in salt and rich in high-quality protein and calories is usually recommended. Your gastroenterologist or dietitian will provide a personalized plan.
A TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt) procedure places a small channel (shunt) within the liver to divert blood flow and reduce pressure in the portal vein.
No. Gastropathy refers to changes in the stomach lining caused by high portal pressure, whereas varices are swollen, fragile veins in the esophagus or stomach that can bleed.
Yes. Effective management of portal hypertension requires a skilled gastroenterologist experienced in advanced treatments, monitoring, and complication prevention.
Right-sided heart failure can lead to increased pressure in the liver's blood vessels, contributing to portal hypertension.
Follow-up frequency depends on disease severity and complications, but most patients are seen every 3-6 months or more often if issues arise.
