Portal Hypertension
Portal hypertension is unique to the liver and happens when there is high blood pressure within the portal vein, which sends blood from the intestine and spleen into the liver. Portal hypertension is dangerous, because it will increase the pressure of the blood vessels, creating resistance.
Collaterals, or new blood vessels, are also grown because of this. The new blood vessels will stem from the intestine and bypass the liver, meaning that substances from the liver cannot be swept up and sent into the circulatory system. Patients with portal hypertension usually also show signs of varicose veins, fluid retention and abdominal swelling.
