Portal hypertension is a condition in which the vein connecting the liver and digestive organs has increased pressure due to the inability of blood to efficiently pass through the liver. People can experience lethargy as an indirect result this condition.

Causes

The most common cause of portal disease is cirrhosis of the liver, which causes scarring that increases portal pressure. Clots in the portal vein can also cause portal hypertension.

Hypertension and Lethargy

Portal hypertension can often cause digestive tract bleeding, which in turn can cause lethargy. While the disease doesn't directly cause lethargy, it does have an indirect connection with the tiredness that cirrhosis sufferers may feel.

Treatment

The cause of the bleeding must be addressed in order to fix the patient's lethargy. If the patient has active bleeding, they must be hospitalized and receive therapy, including fluids and possible blood transfusions to remedy the issue. After the acute phase, patients can often be managed by receiving drug therapy with antihypertensive medications.

Lifestyle Changes

If you suffer from hypertension, you should follow a low Sodium diet, and refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages. Also be sure to have any medications or supplements cleared by a physician before taking them.

Considerations

Mortality rates for portal hypertension can range from 5% to 70%, depending primarily on liver function.

Source:

Cleveland Clinic: Hypertension

Hepatitis-Central: Preventing Hypertension

MedicineNet.com: Lethargy and Hypertension

More Information:

Information on the characteristics of liver disease