Portal hypertension is often misunderstood by the layman, so before any examination of the causes of portal hypertension can be done, it is essential that the nature of the problem be clearly understood. Hypertension refers generically to an increase in blood pressure to levels that are unhealthy and, in serious cases, dangerous and life threatening. Portal hypertension affects the flow of blood, and consequently the blood pressure, in a system of veins that come from the pancreas, intestine, spleen and stomach and join to form the large portal vein. This portal vein then divides into smaller veins that run through the liver. Any blockage in the blood vessels running through the liver restricts the flow up blood and pushes up the blood pressure.

One of the most common causes of portal hypertension is cirrhosis of the liver. This occurs when scars form in the liver and is caused by either a disease like hepatitis or by heavy drinking. The scar tissue blocks the flow of blood and causes the pressure in the blood vessels to rise. Another cause of portal hypertension could be the presence of blood clots in the portal vein. These clots could develop there or may have been carried by the blood from another part of the body. The clots restrict the flow of blood and cause the pressure to rise. Another of the common causes of portal hypertension is a parasitic infection that causes the liver to change its shape and size or swell internally and apply pressure on the blood vessels, thereby restricting the blood flow. There is still a large amount of debate in medical circles about the causes of portal hypertension and whether is has any bearing on the causes of diastolic hypertension. Several theories have been advance and a great deal of research is still ongoing.

Diagnosis of portal hypertension or identifying that the causes of portal hypertension are present in the body requires specialist medical diagnoses. Any continuous feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen, often accompanied by a dull ache could be a symptom of the disease or a sign that the causes of portal hypertension exist. A medical examination for portal hypertension or its causal factors will look for signs of:

* Abdominal bleeding which usually results in black colored and tarry textured stools
* An accumulation of fluid in the abdomen
* Mental confusion and forgetfulness caused by deficient liver function
* Reduced level of platelets, red cells or white cells in the blood

Portal hypertension can be treated with medication, but the earlier it is diagnosed, the quicker will be the results of the treatment. If you feel that you may have any of the causes of portal hypertension, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.