Portal hypertension leads to development of serious complications such as esophageal varices, ascites, renal and cardiovascular
dysfunction. The importance of the degree of portal hypertension has been substantiated within recent years. Measurement of
the portal pressure is simple and safe and the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) independently predicts survival and
development of complications such as ascites, HCC and bleeding from esophageal varices. Moreover, measurements of HVPG
can be used to guide pharmacotherapy for primary and secondary prophylaxis for variceal bleeding. Assessment of HVPG
should therefore be considered as a part of the general characterization of patients with portal hypertension in departments
assessing and treating this condition.