Arterial embolism

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Arterial Embolism

Arterial embolism (pronounced: ar-TEER-ee-al em-BOWL-izm) is a medical condition where a blood clot or other foreign substance travels through the bloodstream and becomes lodged in an artery, blocking blood flow.

Etymology

The term "arterial embolism" is derived from the Greek words "arteria" meaning air holder and "embolos" meaning plug or stopper.

Definition

An arterial embolism is a blockage in one of the arteries that prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching the tissues. The blockage is usually a blood clot, but it can also be air, fat, or tissue.

Causes

The most common cause of an arterial embolism is a condition called atrial fibrillation, where the heart beats irregularly. Other causes can include heart disease, infection, or injury.

Symptoms

Symptoms of an arterial embolism can vary depending on where in the body the blockage occurs. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and a pale or blue color in the affected area.

Treatment

Treatment for an arterial embolism usually involves medication to dissolve the clot, surgery to remove it, or procedures to improve blood flow around the blockage.

Related Terms

  • Thrombus: A blood clot that forms in a blood vessel or within the heart.
  • Embolus: A blood clot, air bubble, piece of fatty deposit, or other object that has been carried in the bloodstream to lodge in a vessel and cause an embolism.
  • Ischemia: An inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body, especially the heart muscles.

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