What type of embolism is most commonly associated with atherosclerotic heart disease?

In patients with atherosclerotic heart disease, the majority of embolic events arise from thrombi that form in the heart, particularly in areas affected by plaque buildup such as the left atrium or left ventricle. These thrombi can dislodge and travel through the bloodstream, leading to systemic events such as stroke or extremity ischemia. This process is termed cardiac-source embolization, as the emboli originate from the heart itself.

Atherosclerotic heart disease alters blood flow dynamics and can precipitate irregularities such as atrial fibrillation, further increasing the risk of thrombus formation. Therefore, the link between atherosclerotic heart disease and cardiac-source embolization is particularly strong, making it the most common type of embolism associated with this condition.

Other types of embolism, such as fat, air, or systemic embolisms, arise from different processes and are not the primary concern in the context of atherosclerotic heart disease.