Final answer:
An embolus is a detached thrombus that can obstruct blood flow and cause emergencies like heart attacks, strokes, or pulmonary embolisms. Symptoms vary but often include chest pain, breathlessness, or weakness. Interventions include anticoagulants, thrombolytics, or surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
An embolus is a thrombus that has broken free from the blood vessel wall and entered the circulation. It can become a serious health issue if the embolus is large enough to block a vessel leading to critical organs, such as the heart, brain, or lungs. When an embolus gets trapped in a vessel, it is referred to as an embolism, which can cause a heart attack, stroke, or a pulmonary embolism. These conditions are considered medical emergencies and require immediate intervention.
Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms can vary depending on where the embolism occurs but may include sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, or speech difficulties.
Interventions
Medical interventions for an embolism can include anticoagulant therapy to prevent further clotting, thrombolytic therapy to dissolve clots, or surgical procedures to remove the obstruction.