Thrombosis and embolism both refer to situations in which a blood vessel becomes blocked. An embolus, is a clot which form in one location, such as the heart, and they is carried by the blood stream to another location. There, it becomes lodged in the smaller caliber arteries. Thrombosis occurs when the diseased or damaged blood vessel become blocked at the site of the abnormal blood vessel. The arteries supplying the brain, intestine, legs, arms and kidney are most affected.
Causes of Thrombosis And Embolus, Arterial
Clots form with any condition that injures the smooth lining of the heart or a blood vessel. As the clot grows, portions break away and are carried to the brain, abdomen, extremities or other areas, by bloodstream. Damage to the blood-vessel lining may be caused by atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), injury to a blood vessel from accident or surgery, heart valve disease, heat attack, and atrial fibrillation. Thrombosis of an artery usually occurs where a vessel is injured or diseased. The damaged vessel is often narrowed. The diseased or damaged surface serves to produce clotting. This clotting may further obstruct or occlude the blood vessel.
Signs and Symptoms of Thrombosis And Embolus, Arterial
The symptoms which develop from embolism or thrombosis are related to which artery and which organ are affected. In the brain, a transient ischemic attack or a stroke develops. This can lead to visual problems, speaking difficulty, paralysis, sensory changes, dizziness, coma or death. In the extremities, it can result in pain and weakness, Exercise, which increases the metabolic demands of the muscle, will increase the pain. When the blood vessels are blocked in the intestinal tract, it can lead to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and shock. If the heart becomes affected, the area supplied by a coronary artery will be damaged or will die, producing a heart attack. Chest pain, rapid or irregular heart beats and shortness of breath may develop. If the kidney is affected, it can lead to flank and back pain. There is often blood in the urine.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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