What is Portal Hypertension?

Our intestine stores nutrients that our bodies require when we eat or drink; along with these nutrients, it includes RBCs, WBCs, platelets, food, and hazardous compounds, which are absorbed in the bloodstream, bypassing the first segregation and reaching the liver via the portal vein.

The liver is a multifunctional organ that serves as a super cleanser, removing all hazardous compounds that should not reach other essential organs such as the heart, lungs, and brain.

However, if a person develops portal hypertension, the liver cannot filter and clean the blood. It's because liver cells are typically arranged in upright rows, but they become unorganized when the liver is damaged. Which subsequently puts pressure on the vein, causing the tiny vein inside the liver to shrink, making blood flow more difficult and raising portal vein pressure.