1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated
Cardiac Cirrhosis
Cardiac cirrhosis occurs when chronic heart failure causes liver scarring due to blood backup. Recognizing early signs and managing risk factors through lifestyle, medication, advanced procedures at GastroDoxs, Dr. Nguyen collaborates with Houston's cardiologists to restore liver and heart health.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
What Is Cardiac Cirrhosis?
Cardiac cirrhosis is scarring of the liver that develops when chronic heart dysfunction causes blood to back up into the liver. Over time, the increased pressure damages liver cells and leads to fibrosis, also known as congestive hepatopathy (ICD-10: I85.0).
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Chronic heart failure
Heart valve disease (leaky or stiff valves)
Right-sided heart failure
Pulmonary hypertension
High blood pressure
Coronary artery disease
Obesity
Diabetes
Signs and Symptoms
Often none in early stages
Feeling tired or weak
Fullness or discomfort in the upper right abdomen
Swelling in the legs or ankles
Mild jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
Easy bruising or bleeding
Ascites (fluid buildup in the belly) in advanced cases
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He asks detailed questions about your pain—its location, timing (e.g., relation to meals), quality (burning, stabbing), and any associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, or weight loss.
Blood Tests
We check for anemia, liver enzymes (AST/ALT), pancreatic markers (amylase/lipase), and H. pylori antibodies or antigens to rule out infection.
Imaging Studies
Abdominal ultrasound to evaluate the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas for stones or inflammation.
Upper endoscopy (EGD) to inspect the esophagus, stomach lining, and duodenum for ulcers, gastritis, or reflux damage.
Functional Testing (if needed)
When structural tests are normal but symptoms persist, we may perform esophageal pH/impedance monitoring for acid reflux or gastric emptying studies to assess motility.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for cardiac cirrhosis.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Eat a low-salt diet to reduce fluid buildup
Engage in light exercise to boost circulation
Track your fluid intake and monitor daily weight
2. Medications
Diuretics to help remove excess fluid
Heart medications such as beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors
Supplements to support liver function when needed
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Paracentesis to drain fluid from the abdomen
TIPS procedure to create a channel in the liver for better blood flow
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for cardiac cirrhosis?
The code is I85.0 for congestive hepatopathy caused by chronic heart failure.
Can cardiac cirrhosis be reversed?
Mild liver fibrosis may improve if heart function is optimized and you follow lifestyle and treatment plans prescribed by Dr. Nguyen.
How fast do symptoms appear?
Symptoms can develop gradually over months to years, depending on the severity and duration of underlying heart disease.
Can diet help?
Yes. A low-salt diet, fluid tracking, and balanced nutrition can reduce fluid buildup and ease liver congestion.
Is ascites common with cardiac cirrhosis?
Yes. Elevated pressure in liver veins can cause fluid to leak into the abdomen, leading to ascites and discomfort.
Will I need a heart and liver doctor?
Absolutely. Dr. Nguyen collaborates closely with cardiologists in Houston to ensure coordinated care for both your heart and liver.
Are surgeries ever needed?
In select cases, procedures like paracentesis, TIPS, or even liver transplant may be considered if conservative treatments fail.
