Arterial embolism is a sudden interruption of blood flow to an organ or body part due to an embolus adhering to the wall of an artery blocking the flow of blood, the major type of embolus being a blood clot (thromboembolism). Sometimes, pulmonary embolism is classified as arterial embolism as well, in the sense that the clot follows the pulmonary artery carrying deoxygenated blood away from the heart. However, pulmonary embolism is generally classified as a form of venous embolism, because the embolus forms in veins. Arterial embolism is the major cause of infarction (which may also be caused by e.g. arterial compression, rupture or pathological vasoconstriction). Signs and symptoms
Symptoms may begin quickly or slowly depending on the size of the embolus and how much it blocks the blood flow. Symptoms of embolisation in an organ vary with the organ involved but commonly include:

Pain in the involved body part
Temporarily decreased organ functionLater symptoms are closely related to infarction of the affected tissue. This may cause permanently decreased organ function.For example, symptoms of myocardial infarction mainly include chest pain, dyspnea, diaphoresis (an excessive form of sweating), weakness, light-headedness, nausea, vomiting, and palpitations.Symptoms of limb infarction include coldness, decreased or no pulse beyond the site of blockage, pain, muscle spasm, numbness and tingling, pallor and muscle weakness, possibly to the grade of paralysis in the affected limb. Commonly occluded sites
Arterial emboli often occur in the legs and feet. Some may occur in the brain, causing a stroke, or in the heart, causing a heart attack.
Myoglobins and creatine kinase are also elevated in the blood in embolisation in other locations. Blood cultures may be done to identify the organism responsible for any causative infection
Electrocardiography (ECG) for detecting myocardial infarction
Angioscopy using a flexible fiberoptic catheter inserted directly into an artery. Prevention
Prevention of atherosclerosis, which is a major risk factor of arterial embolism, can be performed e.g. by dieting, physical exercise and smoking cessation.In case of high risk for developing thromboembolism, antithrombotic medication such as warfarin or coumadin may be taken prophylactically. Antiplatelet drugs may also be needed. Treatment
Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms and improving the interrupted blood flow to the affected area of the body.Medications include:

Antithrombotic medication. These are commonly given because thromboembolism is the major cause of arterial embolism. Examples are:
Anticoagulants (such as warfarin or heparin) and antiplatelet medication (such as aspirin, ticlopidine, and clopidogrel) can prevent new clots from forming
Thrombolytics (such as streptokinase) can dissolve clots
Painkillers given intravenously
Vasodilators to relax and dilate blood vessels.Appropriate drug treatments successfully produce thrombolysis and removal of the clot in 50% to 80% of all cases.Antithrombotic agents may be administered directly onto the clot in the vessel using a flexible catheter (intra-arterial thrombolysis).