This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effectiveness of treatment with beta-blockers to prevent decompensation of cirrhosis with portal hypertension.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Between 18 and 80 years old.
• With liver cirrhosis diagnosed by previous biopsy or by clinical criteria, and analytical image.
• No esophageal varices (or with small varices without red signs) in a recent videogastroscophy (<3 months before randomization).
• Absence of ascites demonstrated by a recent ultrasound (<3 months before the randomization).
• informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• previous decompensation of liver cirrhosis associated with portal hypertension.
• GPVH <10 mmHg.
• Portal axis thrombosis affecting the portal trunk or main hepatic branches, or the splenic or mesenteric vein.
• Hepatocellular carcinoma demonstrated by two imaging tests.
• Bilirubin> 3 mg / dl (or> 50 micromol / l), platelets <30 x10E9/lo Quick <30%.
• Presence of renal insufficiency (serum creatinine> 2 mg / dl or> 200 micromol / l).
• Any comorbidity involving a therapeutic limitation and / or a prognosis of life <12 months.
• Absolute contraindication to treatment with β-blockers (severe bronchospasm, stenosis aortic A-V block, intermittent claudication, severe psychosis, bronchial asthma)
• Hypersensitivity to β-blockers.
• Pregnancy or lactation.
• To receive anticoagulant treatment.
• Past treatment with nitrated or β-blockers in the two weeks prior inclusion.
• Cirrhosis C virus active antiviral therapy.