Chronic hepatitis can lead to an increased risk of which condition?

Chronic hepatitis can lead to an increased risk of cirrhosis due to the prolonged inflammation and damage to liver cells caused by the hepatitis virus. Over time, this ongoing damage can result in the replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue (fibrosis), disrupting normal liver function. Cirrhosis is characterized by significant scarring of the liver, which can lead to serious complications, including liver failure, liver cancer, and portal hypertension.

Understanding the relationship between chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis is crucial for managing the health of individuals with hepatitis, as early detection and treatment of liver damage can help prevent the progression to cirrhosis. This makes monitoring liver health a key aspect of care for patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis. The other options, while they represent significant health concerns, do not have the same direct connection to chronic hepatitis as cirrhosis does.