Portal hypertension is a condition caused by liver disease.
The liver receives blood from two sources.
Fresh blood, coming from the heart, supplies the needs of the liver itself. because the liver filters toxins and processes nutrients.
Blood from the intestines, stomach , pancreas and other organs of the digestive system comes in via the portal vein. The blood in the portal vein flows directly into the liver and is able to interact with the hepatocytes (liver cells). The blood continues through the liver and returns to the heart and lungs through a different set of vessels, the hepatic veins.
verywell Health
Portal hypertension is when there is some sort of obstruction and/or poor and/or slow blood flow in the portal veins leading from the intestines to the liver.
It’s a significant complication of alcoholic hepatitis (inflammation and scarring of the liver due to high consumption of alcohol) and liver cirrhosis (scarring to the point if affects the blood supply to the liver causing a loss of function).
This condition can lead to:
Ascites
An increased or high level of fluid collection within the peritoneum (the sac that contains the intestines within the abdominal cavity- the outside lining of the organs- this space has peritoneal fluid which helps to reduce friction between the belly and the organs during digestion).
It is due to a combination of factors, including increased pressure in the portal system and decrease protein in the body which the liver produces, this causes fluid to leak out of the portal vein and into the abdominal cavity and lining – the peritoneum.
The blood volume is reduced and the kidney then responds and try to retain salt and water in the body, this causes further swelling.
Ascites can also be caused by cancer, heart failure, kidney failure, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), and tuberculosis affecting the lining of the abdomen.
Symptoms include:
Increased abdominal swelling and belly size
Ankle swelling
Shortness of breath
Feeling full after eating small amounts of food
Appetite loss
Varices
Described as enlarged veins. Blood that is meant for the portal system, is diverted to and gathers in other veins as it makes its way to the heart these include along the oesophagus, stomach, intestines, rectum and/or anus.
This can put pressure on blood vessels and they can rupture and bleed.
Anyone with the above condition and bleeds from any orifice must seek urgent medical attention
Cause
Liver fibrosis (scarring of the liver which surrounds the blood vessels)
Autoimmune hepatitis disease- where immune system (body defence system) attacks the liver
Primary sclerosing cholangitis
Disease that slowly damages the bile ducts. Bile is a digestive liquid that is made in the liver. It travels through the bile ducts to the gallbladder and the small intestine, where it helps digest fats and fatty vitamins.
The bile ducts become blocked due to inflammation and scarring or fibrosis. This causes bile to accumulate in the liver, where it gradually damages liver cells and causes cirrhosis, or fibrosis of the liver
Primary biliary cholangitis – where bile ducts are being destroyed
Pain, numbness, burning and tingling (pins and needles) sensation in one’s hands and fingers (thumb and/or index finger and/or middle finger and/or ring finger and/or small finger)?
Tingling sensation in one or both legs?
Inflamed (hot, red and swollen) joints, tenderness and warmth to the touch
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Portal hypertension in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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