Cardiac cirrhosis, also called congestive hepatopathy, is scarring of the liver that develops when chronic heart problems-most often right-sided heart failure or valve disease-cause blood to back up into the liver. This persistent congestion leads to centrilobular fibrosis (scarring around the central veins of liver lobules) and, over time, impaired liver function.
Early on, cardiac cirrhosis may be mild or go unnoticed. As it progresses, you may experience:
Cardiac cirrhosis arises when the liver is chronically congested by backward pressure from the heart. Key risk factors include:
Don't let heart-related liver stress go unchecked. At GastroDoxs in Katy, our multidisciplinary team is ready to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses both your cardiac and hepatic needs. Call us now at 832-632-4070 or schedule your visit online to take control of your health and start feeling better.
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.
The ICD-9 code for cardiac cirrhosis is 571.8, which covers chronic liver disease not caused by alcohol.
Cardiac ascites typically contains higher protein levels and responds more rapidly to diuretic therapy compared with ascites from other forms of liver cirrhosis.
Yes. Poorly controlled blood sugar and associated heart rhythm disturbances increase venous pressure in the liver and can accelerate liver scarring.
A CT scan may reveal an enlarged, congested liver, fluid accumulation in the abdomen, and dilated hepatic veins or inferior vena cava.
Yes, though spontaneous infection of cardiac ascites is less common than in other cirrhosis types. Fever, abdominal pain, or worsening symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation.
Biopsy usually demonstrates centrilobular fibrosis-scarring around the central veins of liver lobules-with minimal fatty change or inflammation.
Treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary team including a gastroenterologist (liver specialist), a cardiologist (heart specialist), and a dietitian for nutritional support.
Yes. Home management includes adhering to a low-sodium diet, elevating your legs, taking prescribed diuretics, and following your care plan closely.
With early detection and optimal management of the underlying heart condition, progression of liver damage can often be slowed-or even partially reversed.
GastroDoxs in Katy offers expert evaluation and coordinated care for cardiac cirrhosis. Contact our office to schedule an appointment and start your personalized treatment plan.
