What condition can cause esophageal varices due to portal hypertension?

Esophageal varices develop as a result of increased pressure in the portal venous system, known as portal hypertension. The most common cause of portal hypertension is liver disease, especially conditions such as cirrhosis. When the liver is damaged, it becomes scarred and resistant to blood flow, leading to accumulating pressure in the portal vein. This pressure causes veins in the esophagus and surrounding areas to swell and enlarge, resulting in esophageal varices, which are fragile and prone to rupture, leading to significant bleeding.

While heart failure, kidney failure, and chronic pneumonia have their complications, they do not directly lead to portal hypertension and therefore would not cause esophageal varices in the same manner as liver disease does. Understanding the mechanism behind portal hypertension is crucial for recognizing the serious risks associated with liver disease and managing the complications arising from conditions like esophageal varices.