Common Causes And Risk Factors For Esophageal Varices

Portal Hypertension

Portal hypertension occurs when the blood pressure in the portal venous system increases. There are veins that start in the pancreas, spleen, intestine, and stomach, which then merge into the main portal vein. From there, the portal vein branches into smaller blood vessels that travel through the liver. When the liver's blood vessels are blocked because of liver damage or blood clots, proper blood flow is blocked, which leads to high blood pressure. The increased pressure might cause esophageal varices along with varices in the umbilical area, rectum, or stomach. Portal hypertension is generally caused by an underlying condition like cirrhosis of the liver. It's often always the primary cause of esophageal varices.