Arterial embolisms are serious and life threatening. If you think you have an embolism, seek medical treatment immediately. What is this condition? Arterial embolisms are multiple blood clots that have formed in your arteries where they can do damage in several ways. Either the embolism will stay where it formed and block the artery, restricting blood flow, or the clot will travel to vital organs such as your lungs or brain. When the Arterial Embolism cuts off circulation and blood flow, necrosis (death of tissue), heart attack, and stroke can occur.
Instructions
1. Know the symptoms. Arterial embolisms often begin in the extremities, although embolisms can be found anywhere in the body. Sudden leg or arm pain not due to trauma or injury, numbness, weakness, muscle spasm, or absence of a pulse is cause for alarm. An undiagnosed Arterial embolism may lead to necrosis of the tissue, ulcers, and blisters. Arterial embolisms that travel to vital organs cause pain, cut off oxygen supply, and will cause tissue death if not treated.
2. Understand risk factors. People who have undergone a recent surgery, are bed-ridden or inactive run a higher risk. Smokers and people who are obese are prime candidates for arterial embolism.
3. See your doctor. If you had a recent surgery, are overweight, smoke, or lead an inactive lifestyle, make an appointment with a physician to have a full examination. Talk to your doctor about the concerns you have and make a treatment plan to get healthy.
4. Follow your treatment plan. Whether you have an arterial embolism or are at risk, take your medications. Prescribed medicines thin the blood and reduce the risk of clot formation. If your physician recommends an in-patient hospital stay and possible surgery, do as she says. Extreme cases may require amputation of a limb.
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