Final answer:
A thrombus is a blood clot that can cause blockages in the bloodstream when it becomes an embolus. An embolism can lead to serious health issues like heart attacks or strokes and is considered a medical emergency.
Step-by-step explanation:
A thrombus is an aggregation of platelets, erythrocytes, and leukocytes, typically trapped within a mass of fibrin strands, that forms in the circulatory system. When a portion of a thrombus breaks off, it becomes an embolus, which can then travel through the bloodstream and potentially block blood vessels. This blockage is known as an embolism, which can result in serious health issues such as heart attacks, strokes, or pulmonary embolisms.
Formation of a thrombus can be a normal response to healing after an injury, but thrombi can also form in an intact or slightly damaged blood vessel, leading to decreased blood flow or total obstruction. Conditions such as thrombophilia, or hypercoagulation, increase the risk for thrombosis (excessive clot formation). This can be caused by several factors, including genetic predisposition, autoimmune diseases, or lifestyle factors like prolonged immobility or obesity.
An embolus that lodges in a blood vessel can have severe consequences, such as increasing local blood pressure and forcing the heart to work harder to overcome the blockage. When large enough to obstruct critical vessels, the result can be acute medical emergencies requiring immediate attention. Ways to mitigate the risk include managing underlying medical conditions, maintaining physical activity, and weight management.