Arterial embolism: why you should know more about the condition –

We often hear about some circulation problems that are more common in women, such as varicose veins. While those crooked veins are a nuisance to many of us, they’re not the only thing to pay attention to. But don’t be surprised if no one ever told you about the arterial embolism. The condition is really little known, and concerns the detachment of some solid material inside our arteries. That is, it is as if a clot began to travel through the body.

Which poses a health risk. “Embolism can happen both in the arterial and venous system (that’s why the two nomenclatures exist). And it causes clogging and disruption of blood supply in some region. In more severe cases, it leads to loss of limbs, stroke and heart attack (in arterial). If the problem is in the venous system, there is a risk of sudden death, if the embolism turns pulmonary”, explains vascular surgeon and angiologist Aline Lamaita, member of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery, in São Paulo.

The main symptoms are cold and numb limbs. The lower body is usually the most affected by the condition, and its causes depend on many factors. Those of venous embolism, for example, vary due to genetics, pregnancy, use of contraceptive, wrong immobilization, long trips and even poor post-operative care. Already arterial is related to heart disease, high cholesterol and cardiac arrhythmias.

And if you’re wondering if varicose veins have anything to do with the embolism, the answer is yes. “If not treated, it becomes inflamed and evolves into deep vein thrombosis. Therefore, varicose veins are considered risk factors”, says Aline Lamaita.

In the case of arterial embolism, adopting healthy habits can make all the difference. This is because, on the one hand, physical activity helps improve blood pumping in the body, and good nutrition, on the other hand, prevents the accumulation of cholesterol. “It is clear that patients with heart disease and arrhythmias must have medical monitoring of any practices they adopt”, warns the doctor.

In general, treatments vary according to the severity of each situation. It may be necessary to use medication or resort to more or less invasive surgeries.