An embolism is a condition in which a foreign object or substance such as a blood clot or gas bubble gets stuck in a blood vessel and causes a blockage in blood flow. This blockage can cause different symptoms in each person, depending on the type and location of the blocked blood vessel.
Basically the body has three types of blood vessels found in all organs of the body, namely arteries, veins, and capillaries. Arteries act as a supplier of oxygen from the heart to the rest of the body, veins play a role in returning oxygen to the heart, and capillaries are the smallest blood vessels that connect arteries and veins as well as regulate the supply of oxygen to body tissues.
When one or more blood vessels of an organ are blocked, the function of that organ will be disrupted. If not treated properly, blockage of blood vessels that interfere with organ function can cause permanent damage to these organs.
Symptoms of Embolism
Symptoms that can appear in patients with emboli can differ, depending on the type of blood vessel (arteries, veins, capillaries) that are blocked and the location of the blockage, such as the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or brain (stroke).
If the patient has a blockage in the blood vessels in the lungs, the symptoms that can appear include:
- Chest pain.
- Hard to breathe.
- Cough.
Meanwhile, if the blockage occurs in the brain and causes a stroke, the symptoms that appear can include:
- Paralysis of limbs.
- Speech disorders.
In certain cases, emboli do not show symptoms in sufferers. This is because the foreign substances present do not completely clog the blood vessels.
Causes of Embolism
The following are some substances that can cause an embolism, namely:
- Gas.Bubbles of gas or air can cause blockages in blood vessels. This condition usually occurs in divers. Bubbles of gas or air can appear in the vessels when a diver has decompression sickness, as a result of returning to the surface too quickly.
- Blob blood.Basically, the body has a natural blood clotting process when cut or injured. The clotting process serves to prevent bleeding. However, excessive blood clotting occurs even when there is no incision or wound in someone with a condition, such as obesity, heart disease, cancer, or pregnant women. Excessive blood clotting has the potential to cause blood clots and disrupt the circulatory system in the body.
- Cholesterol.Embolism can be experienced by someone who suffers or has a history of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the blood vessels narrow due to the accumulation of cholesterol. In conditions that are classified as severe, cholesterol deposits that cause narrowing of blood vessels in people with atherosclerosis, can be released and flow in blood vessels, and get stuck and clog blood vessels in other locations.
- Fat.Fractures can make the fat that is in the bone released and into the blood vessels and cause blockages.
- Water amniotic sac. Amniotic fluid or amniotic fluid is a fluid that protects the fetus during pregnancy. Although relatively rare, this fluid can leak and enter the mother's blood vessels and cause blockages.
There are also several factors that increase a person's risk of developing an embolism, namely:
- Obesity
- Aged 60 years or older.
- Smoke.
- Pregnant.
- Being inactive for a long time, for example from lying down in a hospital.
- Suffering from heart disease.
Embolism Diagnosis
The diagnosis is adjusted according to the suspicion based on the examination of symptoms, medical history, and the patient's overall condition. Some of the tests used to diagnose an embolism include:
- Blood test.
- MRI.
- CT scan.
- Venography, which is imaging using X-rays to see the condition of the veins.
- Arteriography, which is imaging with X-rays to see the condition of the arteries. This test is combined with the administration of a contrast dye.
- Pulmonary and heart function tests.
Embolism Treatment
Embolism can be treated with medication or surgery. Some examples of drugs used are:
- Anticoagulants (eg heparin), serves to prevent the occurrence of blood clots.
- Thrombolytic (eg alteplase), serves to dissolve clotted blood. Giving this drug can also be done with the help of a special catheter or tube, so that the drug directly leads to existing blood clots.
If medication alone is not able to overcome the embolism, the doctor will recommend surgery. The example is:
- Thrombectomy.This procedure aims to remove existing blood clots.
- Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter. This procedure is done by implanting a special device in the form of a net, which functions to filter foreign substances in the blood vessels and prevent them from spreading to other organs.
Embolism Prevention
There are several efforts we can do to reduce the risk of getting an embolism, including:
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid dehydration with adequate fluid intake.
- Do not smoke or consume alcohol.
- Implement a balanced diet and maintain an ideal body weight.
- Avoid sitting too long or not actively moving.
- Have regular health checks.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing.
Embolic Complications
Complications that can occur in patients with emboli can vary, depending on the type and location of the blocked blood vessels, as well as the overall condition of the patient. Some of the complications of embolism include:
- Swelling.
- Dry and peeling skin.
- Stroke or heart attack.
- Brain damage.
- Changes in skin color.