Have you ever wondered what would happen if a blood vessel in our body suddenly got blocked by something? Maybe that hasn't happened to you. But, this is something we all need to know. Because, a blood vessel getting blocked like this, a condition called (Embolism), can sometimes be very dangerous. So, shall we talk about this in a little more detail and simply today?
What is an embolism? Simply put...
Simply put, an embolism is when one of your blood vessels, or the place where blood flows, becomes blocked by something. Most often, this blockage is caused by a blood clot that has formed elsewhere. However, not only blood clots, but also other things can travel from one place in the body to another and block a blood vessel like this.
Think of it like a piece of dirt getting stuck in a water pipe. Some blood vessels, due to their size and shape, are more likely to become blocked than others. This can happen especially where a large blood vessel branches off into smaller ones, or where the blood vessel has become narrowed due to fatty deposits (atherosclerosis).
These embolisms can occur anywhere in your body, including your brain, lungs, kidneys, and spleen. The most common type of embolism is in the lungs. When a blood clot forms in the veins of your legs and travels to your lungs, it is called a pulmonary embolism, or PE .
What are the different ways that embolism can occur?
An embolism can be divided into several types depending on what kind of thing gets stuck in the blood vessel. Take a look:
- Thromboembolism: This is the most common type of blood clot . It is caused by a blood clot that forms elsewhere in the body, especially in the deep veins of the legs (Deep Vein Thrombosis - DVT).
- Tumor embolism: Something like a piece of cancer cell.
- Fat embolism: Fat can accumulate in the blood during a major bone fracture.
- Septic embolism: A blood clot associated with an infection.
- Air embolism: For example, it can be caused by nitrogen gas during diving.
- Amniotic fluid embolism: This is associated with childbirth and is very rare.
Of these, Venous Thromboembolism , which is a blood clot that forms in the veins and blocks them, is more common than arterial clots. In fact, in a country like America, it is reported that about 900,000 people a year develop this condition. Also, Pulmonary Embolism is the third leading cause of death related to the heart and blood vessels in the world. (Numbers one and two are Stroke and Heart Attack).
What are the symptoms of an embolism?
If an embolism forms in your artery, it blocks the flow of blood. You know, blood carries the oxygen that every cell in our body needs. So, if the blood can't get through, the oxygen can't get through. This lack of oxygen causes a condition called an "infarct," which damages the organ that needs that oxygen. This can cause pain. Sometimes, this lack of oxygen can even be fatal.
Imagine a blood clot (thrombus) forming in a deep vein in your leg, and small pieces of it break off and travel with the blood to the right side of your heart. From there, blood is pumped to the lungs. These small blood clots (pulmonary emboli) get stuck in the small blood vessels in the lungs, causing lung infarct. Very rarely, large ones (pulmonary emboli) can completely block the normal flow of blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs.
The symptoms of an embolism vary depending on the type and location of the embolism. Some people may not have any symptoms at all. Here are some of the symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Low blood oxygen levels (Hypoxemia)
- Rapid but shallow breathing (Tachypnea)
- Weakness, fatigue
- Headache
- Red spots on the skin (Petechiae)
- Chest pain
- Rapid heartbeat (Tachycardia)
- Fever
- Swelling in an arm or leg
- Seizures
- Vertigo
- Vomiting and nausea
- Low blood pressure (Hypotension)
What is the main cause of an embolism?
Most often, pulmonary embolism occurs in the lungs. The main cause of this is blood clots in the veins of the legs (Deep Vein Thrombosis - DVT) . Sometimes, pulmonary embolism can also occur due to DVT in the deep veins of the arms.
There are other reasons for embolism to occur:
- Infection of the inner lining of the heart (infective endocarditis)
- Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
- Left ventricular thrombus
- A broken bone in a major accident
- Cancer
- Various infections
- Pancreatitis
- Liposuction
- Bone marrow transplant
- Gestational diabetes
- Placenta accreta (deep attachment of the placenta to the uterine wall)
Who is at higher risk of developing this (embolism)?
There are several common risk factors for a blood clot (embolism). See if any of these apply to you:
- Physical inactivity: Staying in one place for too long, especially after surgery.
- Surgeries and some medical treatments: After major surgeries.
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Physical injuries (Trauma)
- High blood pressure (Hypertension)
- Use of tobacco products (smoking)
- Use of birth control pills
- Conditions that cause blood to clot easily
- Some medical devices, such as pacemakers
What are the complications that can occur due to an embolism?
The complications of an embolism vary depending on where it occurs. It can be very dangerous. Here are some of the complications:
- Abnormalities in brain function, such as memory loss
- Heartbeat irregularities (Arrhythmia)
- Cardiac arrest
- Heart attack
- Cerebral edema
- Pulmonary edema
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
- Loss of an arm or leg
- Splenic abscess
- Tissue death in the kidney, spleen, or other affected organ
- Tricuspid valve regurgitation (backflow of blood through a heart valve)
- Kidney failure
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Even loss of life can occur.
That means, this is not something to take lightly. Although it may seem like a small thing, if not treated in time, it can cause life-threatening problems.
How does a doctor accurately diagnose this (embolism)?
If you have symptoms of an embolism, a doctor will first examine you. The doctor may notice things like skin changes or difficulty breathing. If an embolism is suspected, he or she may do some tests.
Depending on the type of embolism, the following tests may be performed:
- Blood tests
- Chest X-ray
- Doppler ultrasound - to look at blood flow in blood vessels.
- ECG (Electrocardiogram - EKG) - Checks the functioning of the heart.
- CT scan (Computed Tomography - CT scan)
- MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiogram - MRA)
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- Angiogram - An X-ray of the blood vessels after injecting a dye.
- Ultrasound tests of the heart: (Transthoracic echocardiogram - TTE) and (Transesophageal echocardiogram - TEE)
- Sometimes a biopsy is performed to examine a piece of tissue.
What are the treatments for embolism?
The main goal of treatment for embolism is to remove the blockage in the blood vessel and restore blood flow. In most cases, the first choice is to treat with medications.
Here are some treatments for embolism:
- Anticoagulants : We say these "thrombify" the blood.
- Thrombolytics : These directly dissolve the blood clot and remove it.
- Antibiotics for Embolism
- Drugs that increase heart function (Inotropes)
- Oxygen therapy or hyperbaric oxygen therapy
- Embolectomy (surgical removal of an embolism)
In very serious cases, people with embolism may need additional life-support treatments, such as CPR , ECMO (a machine that works instead of the heart and lungs), and even machines to help them breathe.
Are there any side effects of the treatment?
Yes, unfortunately there can be some side effects. There is a risk of bleeding, especially with medications called anticoagulants and thrombolytics. When a blood clot is removed surgically (embolectomy), there may be risks such as:
- Damage to a blood vessel
- Bleeding
- Slow heart rate (Bradycardia)
- Low blood pressure (Hypotension)
- Cardiac arrest
What happens if an embolism occurs?
Some people with an embolism may have no symptoms at all, while others may have very severe symptoms. How you are treated will depend on several factors, including the size and severity of the embolism, and where it originated.
Embolism is a life-threatening condition, so early diagnosis and prompt treatment can increase your chances of recovery.
What can we do to prevent embolism?
Yes, we can prevent some types of embolism. If you are at risk for embolism, your doctor may recommend the following:
- When traveling long distances (such as on a plane or bus), get up every few hours and do calf pumps. This will help keep the blood circulation in your legs good.
- Blood-thinning medications (Anticoagulants) .
- Using special compression stockings.
- A device that applies pressure to the legs (Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Device - IPC device) .
- For some people, a filter may be placed in the main vein that carries blood from the lower body to the heart (the inferior vena cava filter) . This prevents blood clots from traveling to the heart and lungs.
How do I take care of myself if I develop an embolism?
After an embolism, you may need rehabilitation to recover. This is because the embolism may have damaged areas such as your brain or lungs. This damage occurs because the embolism has cut off oxygen to that organ or area.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have symptoms of an embolism, you should seek medical attention immediately. Don't delay.
After an embolism, you will need to continue seeing your doctor and follow his or her instructions. Especially if you are taking medications such as anticoagulants, your doctor will check to see if you are taking them correctly and if your risk of bleeding has changed.
What questions should I ask the doctor?
You can ask your doctor questions like these:
- Why did I get this (embolism)?
- What are the chances of recovery based on my condition?
- What is the best treatment for me?
- What should I do to prevent another embolism like this from happening again?
In summary (Take-Home Message)
It's normal to feel worried about a condition called embolism, as it can be life-threatening. That's why it's so important to get treatment right away. If you have symptoms of an embolism, seek medical attention right away. After treatment, get support from your family and friends. If you're worried or worried about having another embolism, talk to a counselor. You're not alone, and don't be afraid to ask for help.
` Embolism, blood clot, blood vessel blockage, pulmonary embolism, Pulmonary Embolism, DVT, symptoms, treatment, prevention
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