Portal hypertension is most often caused by difficulty in blood flow into the liver, which then causes a build-up of pressure. As blood travels around the body it goes through the digestive system to pick up the nutrients from food which has been eaten. This blood then takes these nutrients to the liver through a blood vessel called the portal vein. This is called the portal circulation. The liver processes the blood before it goes back to the heart.“Hypertension” means high blood pressure. When the pressure of the blood in the portal circulation is unusually high this is known as portal hypertension.
Ascites is a collection of fluid which gathers around abdominal organs and gives children affected a swollen tummy. It can be caused by portal hypertension.
*This website provides general information but does not replace medical advice. It is important to contact your/your child’s medical team if you have any worries or concerns
