What is an embolism?

An embolism refers specifically to a blockage that occurs when a blood clot, or embolus, travels through the bloodstream and lodges in a blood vessel. This blockage can disrupt blood flow to vital organs, leading to serious health issues such as a stroke or a pulmonary embolism. Understanding this definition is crucial, as it emphasizes the life-threatening potential of an embolism, which differentiates it from other conditions such as high blood pressure, types of heart disease, or fluid retention. Each of those options describes different medical issues that have their own specific characteristics and implications, but they do not represent the concept of an embolism.