Embolism

Embolism is a medical condition in which an embolus, or a clot, blockage, or foreign substance, travels through the bloodstream and lodges itself in an artery. This can be caused by the formation of a thrombus, which is a blood clot, or by the presence of a foreign substance, such as air bubbles, fat, tumor cells, or amniotic fluid. When an embolus becomes lodged in an artery, it can cause a variety of symptoms and health complications. The most common type of embolism is a pulmonary embolism, which is a clot that lodges in the arteries of the lungs. This can cause difficulty breathing, chest pain, and in some cases, sudden death. Treatment for medical embolism can range from anticoagulant drugs to surgery, depending on the size and location of the embolus.