Embolism vs. Occlusion — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 23, 2024
Embolism refers to a blockage in a blood vessel caused by an embolus (a traveling clot or debris), while occlusion is the complete blockage or closure of a vessel, which can be caused by various factors including embolism.
Difference Between Embolism and Occlusion
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Embolism occurs when an embolus—often a blood clot, air bubble, or other debris—travels through the bloodstream and lodges in a vessel, impeding blood flow. On the other hand, occlusion refers to any blockage or closure of a blood vessel, which can result from embolism, thrombosis, or external compression.
The consequences of an embolism depend on the size and location of the embolus. For instance, a pulmonary embolism blocks blood flow to the lungs and can be life-threatening. In contrast, occlusions can lead to chronic conditions like peripheral artery disease, where arteries are narrowed over time and not just abruptly blocked.
Embolism is usually an acute and sudden event, causing immediate symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain in the case of a pulmonary embolism. Conversely, occlusion can develop gradually as in atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up slowly, or it can be sudden if caused by an embolism or thrombosis.
Diagnosis of an embolism often involves imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans to locate the embolus. Whereas, diagnosing an occlusion may require a range of tests including angiography, ultrasound, or MRI, depending on the affected vessel and the suspected cause of the blockage.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Blockage by an embolus traveling to a vessel
Any blockage or closure of a blood vessel
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Causes
Blood clots, air bubbles, fat, other debris
Thrombosis, embolism, external compression
Onset
Sudden and acute
Can be sudden or gradual
Common Locations
Lungs, brain
Heart, peripheral arteries
Diagnostic Tests
Ultrasound, CT scan
Angiography, ultrasound, MRI
Compare with Definitions
Embolism
Often detected through imaging technologies.
An ultrasound confirmed the embolism in his leg.
Occlusion
Diagnosed through various methods depending on the vessel involved.
MRI was used to assess the occlusion in her carotid artery.
Embolism
Can lead to severe complications depending on its location.
A pulmonary embolism can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Occlusion
The complete closure or blockage of a blood vessel.
The angiogram showed an occlusion in the coronary artery.
Embolism
Can be caused by various types of debris like fat or air.
During surgery, precautions were taken to prevent a fat embolism.
Occlusion
Treatment varies from medication to surgical intervention.
The occlusion was severe enough to require bypass surgery.
Embolism
A medical condition involving a blockage in a blood vessel by an embolus.
The doctor explained that the sudden stroke was caused by an embolism.
Occlusion
Affects blood flow and can cause pain or organ damage.
Peripheral artery occlusion often leads to leg pain during walking.
Embolism
Requires immediate medical attention to resolve the blockage.
She was treated with anticoagulants to manage the embolism.
Occlusion
May result from slow plaque buildup or a sudden blockage.
His lifestyle changes helped reduce the risk of arterial occlusion.
Embolism
An embolism is the lodging of an embolus, a blockage-causing piece of material, inside a blood vessel. The embolus may be a blood clot (thrombus), a fat globule (fat embolism), a bubble of air or other gas (gas embolism), amniotic fluid (amniotic fluid embolism), or foreign material.
Occlusion
The blockage or closing of a blood vessel or hollow organ.
Embolism
Obstruction or occlusion of a blood vessel by an embolus.
Occlusion
A process by which the cold front of a rotating low-pressure system catches up the warm front, so that the warm air between them is forced upwards off the earth's surface between wedges of cold air.
Embolism
An embolus.
Occlusion
The position of the teeth when the jaws are closed.
Embolism
(pathology) An obstruction or occlusion of an artery by an embolus, that is by a blood clot, air bubble or other matter that has been transported by the blood stream.
Occlusion
The process of occluding.
Embolism
The insertion or intercalation of days into the calendar in order to correct the error arising from the difference between the civil year and the solar year.
Occlusion
Something that occludes.
Embolism
An intercalated prayer for deliverance from evil coming after the Lord's Prayer.
Occlusion
(Medicine) An obstruction of an anatomical passage, as of an artery by plaque.
Embolism
Intercalation; the insertion of days, months, or years, in an account of time, to produce regularity; as, the embolism of a lunar month in the Greek year.
Occlusion
(Dentistry) The alignment of the teeth of the upper and lower jaws when brought together.
Embolism
Intercalated time.
Occlusion
The process of occluding air masses.
Embolism
The occlusion of a blood vessel by an embolus. Embolism in the brain often produces sudden unconsciousness and paralysis.
Occlusion
An occluded front.
Embolism
An insertion into a calendar
Occlusion
(Linguistics) Closure at some point in the vocal tract that blocks the flow of air in the production of an oral or nasal stop.
Embolism
Occlusion of a blood vessel by an embolus (a loose clot or air bubble or other particle)
Occlusion
The process of occluding, or something that occludes.
Occlusion
(medicine) Anything that obstructs or closes a vessel or canal.
Occlusion
The alignment of the teeth when upper and lower jaws are brought together.
Occlusion
(meteorology) An occluded front.
Occlusion
(phonetics) A closure within the vocal tract that produces an oral stop or nasal stop.
Occlusion
(physics) The absorption of a gas or liquid by a substance such as a metal.
Occlusion
(computing) The blocking of the view of part of an image by another.
Occlusion
The act of occluding, or the state of being occluded.
Constriction and occlusion of the orifice.
Occlusion
The transient approximation of the edges of a natural opening; imperforation.
Occlusion
Closure or blockage (as of a blood vessel)
Occlusion
(meteorology) a composite front when colder air surrounds a mass of warm air and forces it aloft
Occlusion
(dentistry) the normal spatial relation of the teeth when the jaws are closed
Occlusion
An obstruction in a pipe or tube;
We had to call a plumber to clear out the blockage in the drainpipe
Occlusion
The act of blocking
Common Curiosities
How does an occlusion occur?
Occlusion can occur from a buildup of plaque, a thrombus, an embolus, or external pressure that blocks a vessel.
How is embolism treated?
Treatment may involve medications like anticoagulants, thrombolytics, or surgical procedures to remove the blockage.
What are common symptoms of an embolism?
Symptoms include sudden onset of pain, shortness of breath, or localized loss of function, depending on the affected area.
What tests diagnose an occlusion?
Tests like angiography, MRI, or CT scans are used depending on the location and suspected cause of the occlusion.
Who is at risk for an embolism?
Individuals with conditions like atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, or those undergoing certain surgeries.
What is an embolism?
An embolism is a blockage in a blood vessel caused by an embolus that has traveled from another part of the body.
What are the dangers of a vascular occlusion?
Vascular occlusion can lead to tissue death, organ damage, or severe health complications depending on the affected organ.
Can lifestyle changes prevent occlusion?
Yes, healthy lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of occlusions caused by atherosclerosis.
What should one do if they suspect an occlusion?
Seek immediate medical evaluation, especially if symptoms like pain, swelling, or decreased organ function occur.
Is an embolism detectable before it causes symptoms?
Often it is not detected until it causes symptoms, though risk factors like heart disease can indicate potential for embolism.
How do symptoms of embolism and occlusion differ?
Embolism symptoms are acute and sudden, while occlusion symptoms can be gradual or acute depending on the cause.
Are embolisms reversible?
With prompt treatment, some embolisms can be resolved, though the damage caused may be permanent.
Can both embolism and occlusion lead to a stroke?
Yes, both conditions can block blood flow to the brain, potentially causing a stroke.
What factors contribute to occlusion?
Factors include high cholesterol, smoking, hypertension, and diabetes.
What preventive measures can reduce the risk of embolism and occlusion?
Measures include managing heart conditions, avoiding prolonged immobility, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
