Gourt > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Digestive Disorders > Liver > Portal Hypertension
In medicine, portal hypertension is hypertension (high blood pressure) in the portal vein and its branches. It is often defined as a portal pressure gradient (the difference in pressure between the portal vein and the hepatic veins) of 12 mm Hg or greater. Many conditions can result in portal hypertension, but it is usually the result of cirrhosis of the liver.
Signs and symptoms
Consequences of portal hypertension are caused by blood being forced down alternate channels by the increased resistance to flow through the portal system. They include:
- Ascites (free fluid in the peritoneal cavity)
- Esophageal varices (dilated veins in the wall of the esophagus that are prone to bleed)
- Rectal varices
- Hepatic encephalopathy
- Palmar erythema
- Clubbing
- Distended abdominal wall veins (caput medusae)
- Increased risk of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
- Increased risk of hepatorenal syndrome
Treatment
Medical management
Treatment with a non-selective beta blocker is generally commenced once portal hypertension has been diagnosed, typically with propranolol. In acute or severe complications of the hypertension, such as bleeding varices, intravenous terlipressin (an antidiuretic hormone analogue) is commenced to decrease the portal pressure. More on [ Portal hypertension ]
Reduce the burden of Portal Hypertension with Ayurveda | Tropical ...: Two factors can increase blood pressure .. http://bit.ly/2nHjKA
reenymal (reenymal) Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:52:06 -0000
Reduce the burden of Portal Hypertension with Ayurveda | Tropical ...: Two factors can increase blood pressure .. http://bit.ly/2nHjKA
Baylor College of Medicine: Portal Hypertension - Article gives basic facts, causes, complications and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment approach.
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Merck Manual: Portal Hypertension - Explains what it is, causes, symptoms and treatment.
Portal Hypertension - Medical report detailing the symptoms and causes of this condition.
Portal Hypertension - Section of medical textbook explains what it is, causes, complications, diagnosis, and management.
Strong Health: Portal Hypertension - Discusses causes of this condition, complications, diagnosis, and surgical treatment options.
