Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis, sometimes referred to hardening of the arteries, is a disease characterized by thickening and hardening of artery walls. However, the word "atherosclerosis" is often used to indicate any of the forms of arteriosclerosis. Atherosclerosis shows no symptoms until a complication occurs.
Atherosclerosis is a common disorder of the arteries. Fat, cholesterol, and other substances accumulate in the walls of arteries and form plaques. Eventually, the fatty tissue can erode the wall of the artery, diminish the elasticity (stretchiness) of the artery, and interfere with the blood flow.
Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, obesity, high blood cholesterol, a diet high in fats, and having a personal or family history of heart disease.
Source: National Institutes of Health
Read what Kenneth Phillips Jr., M.D., a cardiologist with Advanced Healthcare, says about high blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease.
