Embolism is defined as a certain blockage that prevents the easy blood flow within the arteries. There are certain examples of embolism like pulmonary embolism, retinal embolism, brain embolism, fat embolism, and others. Embolism is considered one of the leading causes of cardiovascular diseases which affects around 1 in 1000 individuals every year. The blockage is usually described as a blood clot where the body prevents the oxygen supply towards the essential tissues of the body which can be life-threatening and lead to a vicious cycle ultimately causing death. Embolism is a Greek term that means plug or stopper which serves as a barrier in the transmission of normal blood supply.
During pulmonary embolism, the embolus is formed within one body part which then circulates all through the body and ultimately results in blockage of the blood within the blood vessel and prevents blood flow to another part such as the lugs. You might be confused between thrombus and embolus. An embolus is the one that roams around in the blood vessel rather than sticking to one part and is usually originated from the thrombus. The lodging of the embolus within the blood vessel can be fatal if it obstructs the brain, lungs or heart.
The symptoms of an embolism usually include chest pain, stabbing or sharp pain which becomes worse during breathing. It leads to an irregular or increased heartbeat, it leads to dizziness, causes rapid breathing, makes you unable to breathe properly, leads to breathing difficulty, causes dry cough which might include mucus or blood. It can also lead to excessive sweating and make you irritated. In severe cases, the symptoms of embolism might lead to unconsciousness, shock, cardiac arrest and ultimately death.
The management of embolism includes prevention of clot formation, prevent the formation of new clots and removal or destruction of existing clots. The first step in most treatment protocols for embolism includes oxygen therapy especially if the patient is suffering from shock. Other than the oxygen therapy, the patient is advised with anticoagulant medications which help in blood thinning and prevent the formation of further clots. With anticoagulant medicines, the doctor might advise thrombolytic drugs which are clot-bursting drugs that help in breaking down the clots while allowing the free flow of the blood. In patients suffering from low blood pressure, certain medicines are also advised to raise the blood pressure to normal.
There are certain preventive measures that help us to avoid embolus formation include the use of anticoagulant drugs when you are at high risk of suffering from embolism. Compression of your legs through the use of compression stocking which is anti-embolism in nature or known as pneumatic compression. An inflatable glove, boot or sleeves might also be advised for the affected area which helps in increasing the pressure over the involved area. Compression methods help in the prevention of blood clots by allowing the blood flow within the deep veins while reducing the pooling up of blood. Other ways to prevent embolus formation include the performance of the exercise, indulgence in physical activity, adopting a healthy lifestyle with the inclusion of healthy diets in a regular routine and quit smoking or alcohol. There are proper diagnostic methods for finding out embolism including physical examination, mathematical model, d-Dimer test, CT scan, pulmonary V/Q scan, EKG, chest X-rays, arterial blood gas study, pulmonary angiogram, MRI and ultrasound. There are certain risk factors like increasing age, increased bed rest or inactivity, cancer, obesity, and others. It is therefore essential that as soon you recognize certain symptoms you should surely visit the doctor immediately for the management of the condition.
Until Next time,
Team Doctor ASKY!