Portal hypertension is a condition that occurs specifically in the portal venous system and the tributaries connected to the main portal vein. Portal hypertension exhibits high blood pressure in this localization more specifically, compared to the primary hypertension where the entire circulatory system experiences the elevated blood pressure. The portal vein is the meeting point of the veins from the spleen, stomach, intestines and pancreas. From this point the portal vein then splits into several smaller blood vessels which go to the liver. Although, one of the different hypertension conditions, portal hypertension symptoms are relatively different from the others, like pregnancy induce hypertension symptoms.

Portal hypertension symptoms can usually be seen in the area of the portal venous system and the connected areas. Some of the portal hypertension symptoms can be alarming and definitely can send a person straight to the doctor’s office. Probably the most evident of the portal hypertension symptoms is the frequent occurrence of bloody feces or stools. This portal hypertension symptom can be quite alarming especially when it happens a lot of times. The appearance of the feces or stool can also be darker to the point that they appear black and thick. Other portal hypertension symptoms include the presence of fluids in the abdominal cavity, reduced levels of white blood cells in the bloodstream, an enlarged spleen and, more often, poor liver function.

Portal hypertension symptoms are caused by several factors, the most common of which is cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver which is the result of chronic alcohol abuse. Excessive alcohol intake takes its toll on the liver eventually and this will result tot a liver that cannot function the way that it should. This is one of the leading and most glaring portal hypertension symptoms. The scarring of the liver tissue basically blocks the flow of blood as it is supposed to go through the liver.

Other possible causes of portal hypertension symptoms and the condition itself is the occurrence of blood clotting in the portal venous system. The clots function the same way that fatty deposits and plaque block normal blood flow around the person’s circulatory system causing high blood pressure. A parasitic infection from snails can also cause portal hypertension symptoms. Schistosomiasis can be one of the causes of this condition. Parasites block the flow of blood to and from the venous system.

Portal hypertension symptoms and its causes can actually be prevented to some extent. Reduction of alcohol intake to the bare minimum should help and the prescription of medication may be necessary for established cases.