We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the Connection Between Thrombosis and Embolism?

By Dulce Corazon
Updated: Jan 26, 2024
Views: 17,758
Share

Thrombosis is the formation of a thrombus, or a blood clot, in blood vessels such as arteries or veins. The connection between thrombosis and embolism is that a thrombus can sometimes break away from its site and travel to a different location in the body. This thrombus is commonly referred to as an emboli. When an emboli lodges and blocks a blood vessel, it is said that embolism has occurred.

In deep vein thrombosis (DVT), deep veins in the leg can develop clots due to several factors. These include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, and prolonged immobilization caused by hospitalization or trauma to the leg. DVT is not often alarming, but when a clot gets dislodged from the leg vein and goes to the lungs, a pulmonary embolism may result.

Pulmonary embolism can become a life-threatening situation when a major blood vessel in the lung is blocked, causing lung tissues to die. This is why deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are often associated with each other. Treatment for an embolism in the lungs commonly involves oxygen administration, as well as anticoagulant medications, also called blood thinners.

Aside from the legs, clots can also start in other areas of the body and get lodged in the smaller blood vessels of the brain and kidneys. When thrombosis and embolism occurs in the brain, the result is often a stroke. Stroke happens because blood vessels supplying blood and oxygen to certain parts of the brain are blocked by emboli or made narrowed by thrombosis. Brain tissues can eventually die, leading to the symptoms of stroke. Symptoms include speech problems, and paralysis that mostly involves one side of the body.

Blood vessels in the kidneys may also be affected by thrombosis and embolism, often leading to long-term kidney problems, and even kidney failure. Patients with kidney problems usually experience vomiting, pain in the side of the abdomen, and nausea. Urine volume may also decrease and urine may have blood in it.

High blood pressure and diabetes usually increase an individual's risk of developing thrombosis and embolism. Other factors include obesity and elevated levels of blood cholesterol. Treatment for thrombosis and embolism often involves medications that can stop the blood from clotting. Lifestyle changes are also often encouraged, such as exercising regularly, maintaining ideal weight, stopping smoking, and eating more nutritious foods.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-is-the-connection-between-thrombosis-and-embolism.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.