What is arteriosclerosis?

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What is arteriosclerosis?

Arteriosclerosis is the thickening and hardening of arterial walls, which makes arteries less compliant and more stiff. This stiffening comes from structural changes in the vessel wall—loss of elastic fibers, increased collagen, and other age- or risk-factor–related alterations in the smooth muscle and tunica media. Because the arteries don’t expand as well, systolic blood pressure tends to rise and blood flow to organs can be less efficient, especially during increased demand. This condition is broader than a specific plaque buildup; it simply describes hardening of the arteries. It’s distinct from inflammation of arteries (vasculitis), dilation of arteries (aneurysm or ectasia), or clot formation (thrombosis).

Arteriosclerosis is the thickening and hardening of arterial walls, which makes arteries less compliant and more stiff. This stiffening comes from structural changes in the vessel wall—loss of elastic fibers, increased collagen, and other age- or risk-factor–related alterations in the smooth muscle and tunica media. Because the arteries don’t expand as well, systolic blood pressure tends to rise and blood flow to organs can be less efficient, especially during increased demand. This condition is broader than a specific plaque buildup; it simply describes hardening of the arteries. It’s distinct from inflammation of arteries (vasculitis), dilation of arteries (aneurysm or ectasia), or clot formation (thrombosis).

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