The risk of bleeding is related to the location, size, and appearance of the varix, presence of red wale markings,
variceal pressure, prior history of
variceal bleeding, as well as the severity of liver dysfunction (classified by Child-Pugh class.) Recurrent bleeding is common in people with esophageal varices — up to 70 percent will bleed again within one year of the first episode of bleeding without treatment. The likelihood of death increases with each episode.