Blood Clot

An embolus is a gaseous, semi-solid, or a solid particle that moves along in the blood stream. This particle could be a bubble of air, fat particle, or blood clot. This particle continues to travel in bloodstream till it gets stuck, causing what is known as an embolism.

Blood vessels called arteries help in carrying oxygen to different parts of the body, branching out into tinier and tinier vessels. These vessels then regroup to form veins, which carry the de-oxygenated blood back to its source. When an embolus travels in these arteries, it will reach a point where it is stuck, hence preventing the blood flow to that portion of the tissue. When tissue is deprived of oxygen, death of tissue occurs and eventually, the tissue dies. In a vein, however, this is not the case as the blood vessel broadens in the direction of the flow. Nevertheless, on reaching the artery, the embolus could get stuck.

SYMPTOMS OF EMBOLISM

The effect of an embolism depends on the size of the embolus and where it happens. If it is a small one, then no immediate effect is noticed, but if it is a larger one, then it could be fatal.

In an artery, an embolism could cause the following symptoms:
Pain.

• Numbness.
• Tingling.
• Coldness.
• Pale skin.
• Paralysis (Inability to move) or twitching of the muscles.
• In a vein, an embolism doesn’t frequently cause symptoms, but could include
• Tenderness in calf muscle tends to get more severe.
• A mild fever associated with hotness in the area affected.
• Swelling of one leg more than the other.
• Redness in the leg.
• Swelling in the veins.

Deep venous thrombosis is a fine example of a blood clot that is stuck to the vein. If the blood clot detaches, it could travel via the heart to the lungs. This can produce the below mentioned symptoms:

• Breathing fast.
• Shortness of breath.
• Coughing up, with sometimes blood.
• Brisk heart beat.
• Chest pain.

Embolism is difficult to diagnose. Recent medical history and symptoms have to be considered. It can be detected using the following tests:

• Arterial blood gas study.
• Doppler ultrasound.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG).
• Pulmonary angiogram.
• Ventilation perfusion scan.

TREATMENT OF AN EMBOLISM

To treat an embolism that is not of immediate concern, then anticoagulants or blood thinning agents may be used to disintegrate the embolism and to prevent further clots. Serious conditions may require surgery.

PREVENTING EMBOLISM

Risk of occurrence can be reduced by:
Smoking cessation.
Maintaining appropriate weight for height and age.
Regular exercise.

A general practitioner may prescribe antiplatelet drugs and blood thinners to prevent blood clots.

Deep venous thrombosis can be prevented by being active and moving around after surgery or long flights. Getting up and walking around, tensing the leg muscles frequently, wearing compression stockings also help reduce the risk of deep venous thrombosis.