Portal hypertension occurs when blood pressure rises in the portal vein, the vessel that carries blood from your stomach, intestines and spleen into your liver. If scar tissue or other blockages slow blood flow through the liver, pressure builds up and reroutes blood into smaller veins that aren't designed for high volume.
Early on, portal hypertension may cause few signs, but as pressure mounts you may notice:
Several conditions can impede portal blood flow and raise pressure:
At GastroDoxs in Cypress, we're dedicated to providing expert care for portal hypertension and all related liver conditions. Our board-certified specialists use the latest diagnostics, customized treatment plans, and compassionate support to help you manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve your quality of life. Ready to take charge of your health? Schedule your appointment today and let us guide you toward better liver wellness.
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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.
Portal hypertension is high blood pressure in the portal vein, which carries blood from your digestive organs to your liver. It develops when scar tissue or blockages slow blood flow through the liver, causing pressure to build up.
Physicians diagnose portal hypertension using blood tests, imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans, and sometimes endoscopy to look for enlarged veins (varices) in the esophagus or stomach.
Cirrhosis replaces healthy liver tissue with scar tissue, narrowing or blocking blood vessels. This obstruction forces blood to back up into the portal vein, increasing pressure.
Yes. With appropriate treatment-such as medications, endoscopic procedures, and lifestyle changes-many individuals manage their symptoms and maintain an active, fulfilling life.
Common causes include cirrhosis, blood clots in the portal vein, blocked hepatic veins, infections like schistosomiasis, and non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis.
The ICD-10 code for portal hypertensive gastropathy is K76.6.
Yes. Increased pressure in the portal vein can lead to ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, causing swelling and discomfort.
Treatment options include beta-blocker medications to lower portal pressure, endoscopic banding to prevent variceal bleeding, diuretics to reduce ascites, TIPS procedure to reroute blood flow, and liver transplant evaluation for advanced disease.
Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as unexplained abdominal swelling, gastrointestinal bleeding, severe fatigue, or any signs of liver disease.
At GastroDoxs in Cypress, our board-certified specialists provide personalized care plans, advanced diagnostics, expert procedures, and ongoing support to manage portal hypertension and related liver conditions.
