Cardiac cirrhosis is liver damage that happens when the heart fails to pump blood properly. This poor heart function causes blood to back up into the liver. Over time, this pressure can scar the liver. In simple terms, cardiac cirrhosis means the liver is hurt because of long-term heart problems. If you have wondered, "What is cardiac cirrhosis?", this is a helpful way to understand your condition.
Cardiac cirrhosis may not cause symptoms early on. As the condition gets worse, you may notice:
This condition is most often caused by long-term issues with the right side of the heart. Other causes may include:
At GastroDoxs in Cypress, we specialize in heart-related liver care, combining expertise in gastroenterology and cardiology to manage cardiac cirrhosis effectively. Our patient-centered approach delivers advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and seamless coordination with your heart team. Don't wait book your appointment today and let us help you achieve better heart and liver health.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
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.
Cardiac cirrhosis results from long-term right-sided heart failure causing liver congestion and fibrosis, while alcoholic liver disease is due to direct alcohol toxicity and viral hepatitis stems from viral infection attacking liver cells.
Yes. Chronic back-up of blood in the liver's veins raises pressure within the portal system, leading to portal hypertension and potential complications like ascites and varices.
Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to assess liver function, imaging studies (ultrasound, CT or MRI) to evaluate liver structure, and sometimes a liver biopsy for definitive scarring. Cardiac evaluation (echocardiogram, ECG) confirms underlying heart failure.
While existing liver scarring (cirrhosis) cannot be fully reversed, treating the underlying heart failure and managing symptoms can prevent further damage and improve quality of life.
No. Cardiac cirrhosis develops secondary to heart disease or dysfunction, not genetic factors. It arises from long-standing pressure overload in the liver due to heart failure.
Limit salt intake to reduce fluid retention, avoid processed and high-sodium foods, and follow your doctor's guidance on overall fluid restriction and balanced nutrition.
Peripheral edema refers to swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs caused by fluid accumulation when the heart and liver cannot effectively circulate and eliminate excess fluid.
Physicians commonly use K76.81 for congestive hepatopathy (cardiac cirrhosis) and K74.6 for other forms of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis when documenting and billing.
Contact a specialist if you experience worsening leg or abdominal swelling, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), shortness of breath, or unexplained weight gain from fluid buildup.
At GastroDoxs in Cypress, our multidisciplinary team of liver and heart experts provides comprehensive evaluation, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support for cardiac cirrhosis management.
