Portal Hypertension
Group: Duan Nguyen, Jose Perez, Hanna Persin, Kenyn Castaneda, Audrey Guila
Who? People who have liver dysfunction, more commonly people who have hepatic cirrhosis.
What? It is the increase in pressure throughout the portal venous system.
When? It happens when obstruction of blood flow into and through the damaged liver. Common signs and symptoms are ascites which can cause fluid imbalances, distended veins, shortness of breath, umbilical hernias. Also it can lead to esophageal varices, which can cause GI hemorrhage if they ruptured, and also encephalopathy. Portal hypertension should be suspected if dilated abdominal veins hemorrhoids are detected.
Where? The organs affected are the Liver, blood vessels, and kidneys.
Why? It occurs due to obstruction of blood flow into and through the damaged liver. Risk factors include alcohol use and malnutrition, gallstones blood clots blocking the blood flow.
