Portal Hypertension
Portal hypertension is another form of the commonly known hypertension. This is caused when there is an increase in blood pressure within the system of veins called for portal venous system. In a normal situation, the veins would come from the spleen, intestine, pancreas and stomach and merge into the portal vein, which in turn, then branches out to smaller vessels and travels through one of your main organs, the liver. If however, these blood vessels in the liver are blocked, it can make it hard for your blood to flow. Thus causing high blood pressure in the portal system.
If the pressure becomes too high, it can cause the blood to back up and find other ways to flow back into the heart, from here, it is pumped into the lungs, where waste products are excreted and oxygen is picked up. If the liver is blocked, the blood can travel via the veins in the oesophagus, the veins of your anus and rectum, and even through the skin of your abdomen.
One of the most common causes of portal hypertension as cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can result from scarring of the liver, which may have been caused by alcohol abuse, hepatitis or another form of liver injury.
Other known causes of portal hypertension are blood clots in the portal vein, as well as blockages that carry the blood from the liver to your heart.
Symptoms of portal hypertension are somewhat vague. However, it is known that if you have liver disease, which leads to cirrhosis. Then you have a very high chance of developing a case of portal hypertension.
Some of the main symptoms that you may experience if you have portal hypertension include:
Gastrointestinal bleeding (black faeces caused by blood haemorrhaging).
ascites (causes an accumulation of fluid in your abdomen)
confusion and forgetfulness, caused by decreased liver function.
Unfortunately, the majority of cases of people with portal hypertension, cannot, in fact be treated. Instead, treatment is centred on managing and preventing any further complications, especially bleeding. Surgery, diet, endoscopic therapy and medication can all play a role in the treatment of the prevention of any complications. Other forms of treatment may be prescribed, depending on the severity of the symptoms, and how well you another is actually functioning.
Keeping a well-balanced diet and regular exercise can help to aid your liver function. However, there are some things that you can to to help you liver even more.
1. Refrain from using any alcohol or recreational drugs.
2. Do not take any prescribed medication without talking to your doctor first, as some of these medications may in fact, make your liver condition worse.
3. Reduce your sodium intake (salt). Your doctor or nurse may tell you to reduce your intake to no more than 2 g of salt per day. At this stage, when you are considering altering your diet, you may opt to consult with the dietician.
