Embolism
Introduction
An embolism isa condition where the blood flow in an artery is blocked by a foreign body, such as a blood clot or an air bubble .
To function properly, the body's tissues and organs need oxygen, which is transported around the body in the bloodstream. If the blood supply to a major organ such as the brain, heart or lungs is blocked, the organ will lose some or all of its function.
Two of the most serious conditions caused by an embolism are:
- Heat exhaustion and heatstroke where the supply of blood to the brain is interrupted or cut off
- pulmonary embolisms when a foreign body blocks the artery transporting blood to the lungs
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 4 Jan 2017
Introduction
An embolism is a condition where the blood flow in an artery is blocked by a foreign body, such as a blood clot or an air bubble.
What causes an embolism?
A foreign body is any object or substance which shouldn't be in your blood. Foreign bodies that cause embolisms are known as emboli a single emboli is called an embolus. Blood clots Blood contains n
Increased risk
Your risk of an embolismis increased by: being overweight or obese having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more being pregnant being 60 years old or over smoking having heart disease being i
Treating embolisms
How an embolism is treated will depend on: what caused the blockage the size of the blockage where in the body the blockage is A surgical procedure called an embolectomy is sometimes carried out
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