Who is at risk for esophageal varices that break open and bleed?

Who is at risk for esophageal varices that break open and bleed?

Not everyone who develops esophageal varices will have bleeding. Factors that increase the risk for bleeding include:

• High portal blood pressure: The higher the portal pressure, the greater the risk of bleeding.
• Large varices: Risk of bleeding increases with size of varices.
• Severe liver disease: Advanced cirrhosis or liver failure increases the risk.
• Ongoing alcohol consumption: In patients with varices due to alcohol, continuing to drink increases the risk of bleeding.