What is the emergency treatment for arterial embolism/thrombosis?

Heparin is the emergency treatment of choice for arterial embolism or thrombosis due to its rapid action in inhibiting coagulation. When an arterial embolism occurs, it is crucial to restore blood flow quickly to prevent tissue necrosis and other complications. Heparin works by activating antithrombin III, which inhibits thrombin and factor Xa, leading to a decrease in clot formation. This allows for immediate anticoagulation, which is essential in emergency situations.

While other anticoagulants like warfarin (often referred to by the brand name Coumadin) are important for long-term management of thromboembolic conditions, they take time to achieve therapeutic levels and are not suitable for acute management. Aspirin has anti-platelet properties and may be useful in certain situations but does not address the full spectrum of clot formation as effectively as heparin in an acute setting. Thus, heparin is the most appropriate choice for the immediate treatment of arterial embolism or thrombosis.