Portal hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that can cause damage to the liver. The portal system in the body is responsible for transferring blood to the stomach, intestines, and spleen. It is possible to just experience high blood pressure in your portal system, and that is where the term portal hypertension comes from.
Portal hypertension can be caused due to liver damage or a lack of blood flow to the liver. As blood pressure rises in the portal system, further damage occurs to the liver, which impairs function along with causing swelling in the esophagus, stomach, or rectum.
Portal hypertension isn’t measured the same way as other types of hypertension, so it’s important that you recognize early on symptoms to catch portal hypertension. For starters, if you already have a liver condition, then your risk of portal hypertension is higher. Having blood clots in the veins can increase your risk as well. Symptoms include blood in stool or vomiting blood. You may also have a low platelet count and feel extra forgetful as forgetfulness is a sign of poor liver function.
It isn’t complicated to protect yourself from portal hypertension. In fact, you simply need to implement the basic healthy lifestyles to promote overall good health. This includes regular exercise, healthy eating habits, avoiding alcohol and not smoking, and talking to your doctor about decompression procedures or medications which are ways to treat portal hypertension.
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