Final answer:
The term for a detached blood clot blocking a distant blood vessel is thromboembolism. It occurs when a thrombus turns into an embolus and obstructs blood flow, potentially causing life-threatening conditions like heart attacks, strokes, or pulmonary embolisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for a piece of detached blood clot blocking a distant blood vessel is thromboembolism. When a thrombus, a blood clot, breaks loose from where it formed and travels through the bloodstream, it becomes an embolus. If this embolus lodges in a vessel, obstructing the blood flow to a critical area of the body such as the heart, brain, or lungs, it is called an embolism. Conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a leg vein can lead to the creation of such a thrombus. Moreover, risk factors increasing the likelihood of a thromboembolism include venous stasis, thrombophilia, obesity, and prolonged immobility, such as during long flights.
An embolism can result in serious medical emergencies, including heart attacks, strokes, or pulmonary embolisms. It's important to be aware of the symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if a thromboembolism is suspected.