National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Portal hypertension

Not a rare disease Not a rare disease
Other Names:
Hypertension, Portal
Portal hypertension is abnormally high blood pressure in branches of the portal vein, the large vein that brings blood from the intestine to the liver. Portal hypertension itself does not cause symptoms, but complications from the condition can lead to an enlarged abdomen, abdominal discomfort, confusion, drowsiness and internal bleeding. It may be caused by a variety of conditions, but cirrhosis is the most common cause in Western countries.[1][2] Treatment is generally directed toward the cause of the condition, although emergency treatment is sometimes needed for serious complications.[2]
Last updated: 2/1/2012

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Portal hypertension. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Providing General Support

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Portal hypertension. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  • I was looking for further information on portal hypertension - incidence, prevelance and any other relevant information that might be available. See answer


  1. Sidney Cohen. Portal Hypertension. Merck Manuals. August 2006; http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/print/liver_and_gallbladder_disorders/manifestations_of_liver_disease/portal_hypertension.html. Accessed 2/1/2012.
  2. Jesus Carale. Portal Hypertension. eMedicine. September 24, 2010; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/182098-overview. Accessed 2/1/2012.