The Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service on Thursday issued a warning over arterial embolisms, which have increased 34 percent in the past five years.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine defines an arterial embolism as a sudden interruption of blood flow to an organ or body part due to a clot (embolus). The clots often occur in the legs and feet. Some may occur in the brain, causing a stroke, or in the heart, causing a heart attack. Less common sites include the kidneys, intestines, and eyes.

HIRA said the number of arterial embolisms rose to 12,244 in 2010 from 9,121 in 2006, and the relevant medical costs also surged from 5.8 billion won in 2006 to 10.1 billion won in 2010.

“We believe the disease prevalence is deeply related to one’s lifestyle,” said Oh Ju-hyeong, a HIRA official. “Refrain from overeating, smoking and drinking alcohol. Especially if you have experienced prevalence, the chances of relapse is even higher,” he added.

Oh advised people to stand up from time to time and move around during working hours. “Sitting on a chair for too long raises the chance of clot formation,” he added.

(baejisook@heraldcorp.com)