ARTERIAL EMBOLISM

An embolus is a blood clot, bit of tissue or tumor, gas bubble or other foreign body that circulate in the blood stream until it becomes struck in the blood vessels. When the blood clot develops in the artery and remains there it is called as thrombosis. If All or a part of the blockage breaks away and lodges in another part of the artery it is called as embolism.

An embolus can affect any part of the body. The most common site is leg and feet. When the brain is affected it is called stroke. When the heart is involved it is called heart attack or myocardial infarction.

CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

·       Artery whose lining has thickened due to ageing allows cholesterol to build up easily.

·       Due to fat cells that enter the blood stream after a major bone fracture

·       Cancer cells that enter the blood stream.

Symptoms may begin suddenly or may take time.

·       If it is in arm or leg there will be muscle pain, numbness and tingling.

·       Pale skin color, lower temperature in limb.

·       Weakness, loss of muscle function.

·       If it occurs in the internal organ then there will be loss of the organ functions.

DIAGNOSIS

·       ECG

·       NON INVASIVE VASCULAR TEST(measures blood pressure from various part an compares it)

·       ANGIOGRAPHY (a colored liquid material is injected into the blood stream and which could be seen with X-rays)

TREATMENT

·       Medications

·       Surgery

Medication to dissolve the clot immediately is given to the affected artery. If embolus is caused by a blood clot then medication to thin the blood will be the right choice of the medication.  

                           

 A surgeon can treat by removing the embolism by marking an incision in the artery above the blockade. In severe cases bypass grafting is done.

PREVENTION

·       Low cholesterol diet

·       Medication to thin blood

·       Active and healthy lifestyle.