thromboembolism

pathology

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

Thromboembolism is the blockage of a blood vessel by a particle that has detached from a blood clot at its original formation site. This particle, known as an embolus, obstructs blood flow.12

Key aspects include:
* Formation: A thrombus (blood clot) forms within a blood vessel or the heart, often due to vessel injury, abnormal blood flow, or changes in blood coagulability. Atherosclerosis, which damages the vessel lining, is a common underlying cause.34
* Consequences: If an embolus travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke. If it blocks an artery in the lungs, it results in a pulmonary embolism, leading to breathing difficulties. Blockage of a coronary artery can cause a heart attack.2
* Treatment: Treatment varies but often involves anticoagulant drugs to prevent further clot formation. Fibrinolytic agents may be used to dissolve existing clots.24

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cardiovascular disease
Myocardial infarction
…of persons there may be thromboembolism (obstruction caused by a clot that has broken loose from its site of formation) into an artery elsewhere in the body.
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…of persons there may be thromboembolism (obstruction caused by a clot that has broken loose from its site of formation) into an artery elsewhere in the body.
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menopausal hormone therapy
Administration and side effects
…increase the risk of venous thromboembolism, in which a blood clot breaks free from its point of formation and becomes lodged in a blood vessel. In certain populations, they may also increase the risk of stroke—brain injury incurred by a lack of blood flow to the brain (often triggered by…
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…increase the risk of venous thromboembolism, in which a blood clot breaks free from its point of formation and becomes lodged in a blood vessel. In certain populations, they may also increase the risk of stroke—brain injury incurred by a lack of blood flow to the brain (often triggered by…
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warfarin
Originally developed to treat thromboembolism (see thrombosis), it interferes with the liver’s metabolism of vitamin K, leading to production of defective coagulation factors. Warfarin therapy risks uncontrollable hemorrhage, either spontaneously or from any cut or bruise; it requires frequent checks to maintain the proper level in the blood. In
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Originally developed to treat thromboembolism (see thrombosis), it interferes with the liver’s metabolism of vitamin K, leading to production of defective coagulation factors. Warfarin therapy risks uncontrollable hemorrhage, either spontaneously or from any cut or bruise; it requires frequent checks to maintain the proper level in the blood. In
Read More