Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypes of BlockagesPossible SymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types of Blockages
Possible Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
As such, it requires immediate treatment. Knowing the signs of thromboembolism and who is at risk can help you better recognize when you or someone you love needs medical attention.
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This article takes a closer look at the different types of thromboembolism, including the possible causes and symptoms. It also explains how thromboembolism is diagnosed and the different options used to treat blockages in arteries and veins.
Venous Thromboembolism
Venous thromboembolism occurs when a blood clot breaks off and blocks a vein—a blood vessel that brings blood in need of oxygen back to your heart.
Venous thromboembolism often starts in the legs with a condition known asdeep vein thrombosis (DVT).
If the clot breaks off and lodges in a lung, it causes a serious condition known aspulmonary embolism (PE).PE can be fatal depending on the location of the clot (also referred to as an embolus) and the degree of blood flow obstruction.
The broader termvenous thromboembolismgenerally refers to DVT, PE, or a combination of the two (called DVT/PE). With that said, thromboembolism can involve other veins of the body, both deep and superficial.
Less common sites of venous thromboembolism include the arms, liver, kidneys, and brain.
Arterial Thromboembolism
Arterial thromboembolism occurs when a blood clot breaks off and blocks an artery, a vessel that brings oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This causesischemia, or the restriction of blood flow and oxygen. Sometimes, infarction—tissue death due to an inadequate blood supply—also occurs.
Arterial thromboembolism often occurs in the legs and feet. Some may occur in the brain, causing astroke, or in the heart, causing aheart attack(myocardial infarction). Less common sites include the kidneys, intestines, and eyes.
RecapThere are two types of thromboembolism.Venous thromboembolism occurs in veins and includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Arterial thromboembolism occurs in arteries and is linked to ischemia (the restriction of blood flow due to an obstruction).
Recap
There are two types of thromboembolism.Venous thromboembolism occurs in veins and includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Arterial thromboembolism occurs in arteries and is linked to ischemia (the restriction of blood flow due to an obstruction).
When a Vein Is Affected
When an Artery Is Affected
Embolic Stroke: An Overview
Venous thromboembolism and arterial thromboembolism affect many of the same people and share several risk factors, but there are key distinctions between the two.
Why Venous Thromboembolism Occurs
Causes and Risk Factors of Pulmonary Embolism
Why Arterial Thromboembolism Occurs
Arterial thromboembolism is strongly linked to the same risk factor for heart disease. These include:
RecapRisk factors for venous thromboembolism include bed confinement and sitting for a long time without movement (such as on a plane). Risk factors for arterial thromboembolism are largely the same as for heart disease. Obesity and older age contribute to both.
Risk factors for venous thromboembolism include bed confinement and sitting for a long time without movement (such as on a plane). Risk factors for arterial thromboembolism are largely the same as for heart disease. Obesity and older age contribute to both.
How Thromboembolism Is Diagnosed
The diagnosis of thromboembolism largely involves imaging studies in combination with blood and lab tests. Some tests are organ-specific.
Confirming DVT and PE
The main challenge of diagnosing DVT and PE is that symptoms can be very similar to those of a heart attack, limb infarction, or even pneumonia.
To confirm the diagnosis and differentiate DVT/PE from other medical conditions, the doctor may order the following tests:
Confirming Blockages in Arteries
Some of the same tests used to diagnose venous thromboembolism can be used to diagnose arterial thromboembolism. Others are specialized and specific. These include:
RecapThromboembolism is diagnosed with specialized imaging studies such as duplex ultrasound and echocardiogram, as well as blood tests called D-dimer and factor VII.
Thromboembolism is diagnosed with specialized imaging studies such as duplex ultrasound and echocardiogram, as well as blood tests called D-dimer and factor VII.
How Blood Clots Are Diagnosed
The treatment of venous or arterial thromboembolism can vary based on the location of the embolus and the extent of the blockage. Medications are central to any plan.
Options for Venous Thromboembolism
Anticoagulants(“blood thinners”) are the first-line treatments for venous thromboembolism. These drugs prevent a clot from becoming larger while the body slowly reabsorbs it.
There are injectable anticoagulants likeheparinand Arixtra (fondaparinux), as well as oral ones likewarfarin,Eliquis (apixaban), and Xarelto (rivaroxaban).
If an anticoagulant is not enough, a specialfilterdevicecan be inserted into theinferior vena cava—the large vein that brings blood back to the heart—to capture a clot before it reaches the lungs.
Drugs calledthrombolytics(“clot busters”) are reserved for severe cases, as they can cause bleeding. Options include Eminase (anistreplase), Retavase (reteplase), Streptase (streptokinase), and others.14
If needed,surgery can be performed to remove the clot causing DVT (referred to asthrombectomy) or to remove the clot causing PE (referred to asembolectomy).
How Pulmonary Embolism Is Treated
Options for Arterial Thromboembolism
Many of the same medications used to treat venous thromboembolism are used for arterial thromboembolism. This includes the use ofanticoagulantsandthrombolytics, as well asantiplatelet drugslike Plavix (clopidogrel) that prevent platelets from clumping together.
Some people may require surgery if the blockage is severe. This may involve:
RecapAnticoagulants (blood thinners) play a central role in the treatment of thromboembolism. In severe cases, a surgical procedure known as embolectomy may be needed to remove the clot. Bypass surgery or angioplasty may also be needed to treat or repair an arterial blockage.
Anticoagulants (blood thinners) play a central role in the treatment of thromboembolism. In severe cases, a surgical procedure known as embolectomy may be needed to remove the clot. Bypass surgery or angioplasty may also be needed to treat or repair an arterial blockage.
Summary
Thromboembolism can be often diagnosed with a combination of blood tests and imaging studies. The treatment typically involves blood thinners and other medications, although surgery may be needed to clear the obstruction or reroute the blood flow.
A Word From Verywell
Thromboembolism is almost invariably serious, requiring immediate medical attention. Arguably, the biggest challenge is recognizing the signs and acting quickly.
It helps to identify your risk factors for conditions like DVT, heart attack, and stroke, and do what you can to minimize the risks.
For example, if you have heart disease and are on a long-distance flight, be sure to wear a pair of compression socks, sit with your legs uncrossed, and get up and move frequently. If you are at risk of a heart attack or stroke, controlling your cholesterol and high blood pressure (and quitting cigarettes) can go a long way toward reducing your risk.
COVID-19 and Serious Blood Clotting Problems
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ashorobi D, Ameer MA, Fernandez R.Thrombosis. In:StatPearls [Internet].Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Venous thromboembolism (blood clots).Massimo M, Matteo B, Cesario C, et al.Predictors of pulmonary infarction.Medicine (Baltimore). 2015 Oct;94(41):e1488. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000001488Lyaker MR, Tulman DB, Dimitrova GT, Pin RH, Papadimos TJ.Arterial embolism.Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci.2013 Jan-Mar;3(1):77–87. doi:10.4103/2229-5151.109429Stone J, Hangge P, Albadawi H, et al.Deep vein thrombosis: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and medical management.Cardiovasc Diagn Ther. 2017;7(Suppl 3):S276-84. doi:10.21037/cdt.2017.09.01Chen JG, Li ZX, Zhang DF, Wang JY, Hou LJ.Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis complicated with acute development of dural arteriovenous fistula: a case report.J Clin Neurosci.2017 Oct;44:225-6. doi:10.1016/j.jocn.2017.06.011Rajkomar V, Kyerematen E, Mysore P, Penston J.Thrombosis of the portal venous system following blunt abdominal trauma.BMJ Case Rep.2010;2010:bcr1120092429. doi:10.1136/bcr.11.2009.2429Mazhar HR, Aeddula NR.Renal vein thrombosis. In:StatPearls [Internet].Obara H, Matsubara K, Kitagawa Y.Acute limb ischemia.Ann Vasc Dis. 2018 Dec 25;11(4):443–8. doi:10.3400/avd.ra.18-00074National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Heart attack.Boehme AK, Esenwa C, Elkind MS.Stroke risk factors, genetics, and prevention.Circ Res. 2017;120(3):472-95. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.116.308398Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Testing and diagnosis for venous thromboembolism.MedlinePlus.Arterial embolism.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Ashorobi D, Ameer MA, Fernandez R.Thrombosis. In:StatPearls [Internet].Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Venous thromboembolism (blood clots).Massimo M, Matteo B, Cesario C, et al.Predictors of pulmonary infarction.Medicine (Baltimore). 2015 Oct;94(41):e1488. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000001488Lyaker MR, Tulman DB, Dimitrova GT, Pin RH, Papadimos TJ.Arterial embolism.Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci.2013 Jan-Mar;3(1):77–87. doi:10.4103/2229-5151.109429Stone J, Hangge P, Albadawi H, et al.Deep vein thrombosis: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and medical management.Cardiovasc Diagn Ther. 2017;7(Suppl 3):S276-84. doi:10.21037/cdt.2017.09.01Chen JG, Li ZX, Zhang DF, Wang JY, Hou LJ.Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis complicated with acute development of dural arteriovenous fistula: a case report.J Clin Neurosci.2017 Oct;44:225-6. doi:10.1016/j.jocn.2017.06.011Rajkomar V, Kyerematen E, Mysore P, Penston J.Thrombosis of the portal venous system following blunt abdominal trauma.BMJ Case Rep.2010;2010:bcr1120092429. doi:10.1136/bcr.11.2009.2429Mazhar HR, Aeddula NR.Renal vein thrombosis. In:StatPearls [Internet].Obara H, Matsubara K, Kitagawa Y.Acute limb ischemia.Ann Vasc Dis. 2018 Dec 25;11(4):443–8. doi:10.3400/avd.ra.18-00074National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Heart attack.Boehme AK, Esenwa C, Elkind MS.Stroke risk factors, genetics, and prevention.Circ Res. 2017;120(3):472-95. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.116.308398Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Testing and diagnosis for venous thromboembolism.MedlinePlus.Arterial embolism.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Ashorobi D, Ameer MA, Fernandez R.Thrombosis. In:StatPearls [Internet].Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Venous thromboembolism (blood clots).Massimo M, Matteo B, Cesario C, et al.Predictors of pulmonary infarction.Medicine (Baltimore). 2015 Oct;94(41):e1488. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000001488Lyaker MR, Tulman DB, Dimitrova GT, Pin RH, Papadimos TJ.Arterial embolism.Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci.2013 Jan-Mar;3(1):77–87. doi:10.4103/2229-5151.109429Stone J, Hangge P, Albadawi H, et al.Deep vein thrombosis: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and medical management.Cardiovasc Diagn Ther. 2017;7(Suppl 3):S276-84. doi:10.21037/cdt.2017.09.01Chen JG, Li ZX, Zhang DF, Wang JY, Hou LJ.Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis complicated with acute development of dural arteriovenous fistula: a case report.J Clin Neurosci.2017 Oct;44:225-6. doi:10.1016/j.jocn.2017.06.011Rajkomar V, Kyerematen E, Mysore P, Penston J.Thrombosis of the portal venous system following blunt abdominal trauma.BMJ Case Rep.2010;2010:bcr1120092429. doi:10.1136/bcr.11.2009.2429Mazhar HR, Aeddula NR.Renal vein thrombosis. In:StatPearls [Internet].Obara H, Matsubara K, Kitagawa Y.Acute limb ischemia.Ann Vasc Dis. 2018 Dec 25;11(4):443–8. doi:10.3400/avd.ra.18-00074National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Heart attack.Boehme AK, Esenwa C, Elkind MS.Stroke risk factors, genetics, and prevention.Circ Res. 2017;120(3):472-95. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.116.308398Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Testing and diagnosis for venous thromboembolism.MedlinePlus.Arterial embolism.
Ashorobi D, Ameer MA, Fernandez R.Thrombosis. In:StatPearls [Internet].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Venous thromboembolism (blood clots).
Massimo M, Matteo B, Cesario C, et al.Predictors of pulmonary infarction.Medicine (Baltimore). 2015 Oct;94(41):e1488. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000001488
Lyaker MR, Tulman DB, Dimitrova GT, Pin RH, Papadimos TJ.Arterial embolism.Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci.2013 Jan-Mar;3(1):77–87. doi:10.4103/2229-5151.109429
Stone J, Hangge P, Albadawi H, et al.Deep vein thrombosis: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and medical management.Cardiovasc Diagn Ther. 2017;7(Suppl 3):S276-84. doi:10.21037/cdt.2017.09.01
Chen JG, Li ZX, Zhang DF, Wang JY, Hou LJ.Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis complicated with acute development of dural arteriovenous fistula: a case report.J Clin Neurosci.2017 Oct;44:225-6. doi:10.1016/j.jocn.2017.06.011
Rajkomar V, Kyerematen E, Mysore P, Penston J.Thrombosis of the portal venous system following blunt abdominal trauma.BMJ Case Rep.2010;2010:bcr1120092429. doi:10.1136/bcr.11.2009.2429
Mazhar HR, Aeddula NR.Renal vein thrombosis. In:StatPearls [Internet].
Obara H, Matsubara K, Kitagawa Y.Acute limb ischemia.Ann Vasc Dis. 2018 Dec 25;11(4):443–8. doi:10.3400/avd.ra.18-00074
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Heart attack.
Boehme AK, Esenwa C, Elkind MS.Stroke risk factors, genetics, and prevention.Circ Res. 2017;120(3):472-95. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.116.308398
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Testing and diagnosis for venous thromboembolism.
MedlinePlus.Arterial embolism.
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