Atherosclerosis vs. Arteriosclerosis — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on November 1, 2023
Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls, while arteriosclerosis is the general hardening of the arteries.
Difference Between Atherosclerosis and Arteriosclerosis
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis, characterized by the buildup of plaques of fatty material on the inner walls of arteries. Arteriosclerosis, a broader term, describes any hardening (and loss of elasticity) of medium or large arteries.
Arteriosclerosis can be caused by several factors, including high blood pressure and smoking, leading to thickened arterial walls. Atherosclerosis specifically refers to the buildup of plaques that can lead to blockages in the arteries.
The progression of atherosclerosis can be silent until a plaque ruptures or the narrowing becomes severe enough to impede blood flow. Arteriosclerosis, on the other hand, may cause symptoms such as high blood pressure due to the loss of arterial elasticity.
Prevention of atherosclerosis often involves lifestyle changes and management of risk factors like cholesterol. Managing arteriosclerosis may also include these approaches but focuses on overall vascular health and blood pressure control.
Atherosclerosis can lead to more specific conditions, such as coronary artery disease, when it affects the heart's arteries. Arteriosclerosis does not specify where the hardening of the arteries occurs, which can be widespread.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Buildup of fats and other substances in artery walls.
General hardening and thickening of the artery walls.
Specificity
Specific type of arteriosclerosis.
Broad term for any arterial hardening.
Causes
Caused by plaque buildup.
Caused by a range of factors, including plaque.
Associated Conditions
Can lead to coronary artery disease, stroke.
May lead to various circulatory issues.
Treatment Focus
Lifestyle changes, targeting cholesterol.
Lifestyle changes, blood pressure management.
Compare with Definitions
Atherosclerosis
The buildup of fats, cholesterol, and plaque in the artery walls.
His diet was changed to manage his atherosclerosis.
Arteriosclerosis
A condition affecting arterial blood vessels with multiple causes.
Arteriosclerosis can be managed with proper medical care.
Atherosclerosis
A progressive disease affecting arterial blood vessels.
Atherosclerosis can progress unnoticed for years.
Arteriosclerosis
A cardiovascular condition that may lead to severe complications.
Untreated arteriosclerosis can lead to stroke.
Atherosclerosis
A disease of the arteries characterized by the deposition of plaques of fatty material on their inner walls.
Atherosclerosis often requires surgical intervention.
Arteriosclerosis
The thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the walls of arteries.
His hypertension was a result of arteriosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis
A condition that can lead to reduced blood flow and can cause heart attacks.
Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease.
Arteriosclerosis
Often associated with increased blood pressure and decreased organ function.
Arteriosclerosis affected her kidney function over time.
Atherosclerosis
An accumulation of atheromatous plaques within the arteries.
She was diagnosed with atherosclerosis at the age of fifty.
Arteriosclerosis
A general term for the hardening of arteries.
Arteriosclerosis is often a consequence of aging.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a pattern of the disease arteriosclerosis in which the wall of the artery develops abnormalities, called lesions. These lesions may lead to narrowing due to the buildup of atheromatous plaque.
Arteriosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis is the thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the walls of arteries. This process gradually restricts the blood flow to one's organs and tissues and can lead to severe health risks brought on by atherosclerosis, which is a specific form of arteriosclerosis caused by the buildup of fatty plaques, cholesterol, and some other substances in and on the artery walls.
Atherosclerosis
A form of arteriosclerosis characterized by the presence of lesions (called plaques) on the innermost layer of the walls of large and medium-sized arteries. The plaques contain lipids, collagen, inflammatory cells, and other substances and can impede blood flow or rupture, leading to serious problems such as heart attack or stroke.
Arteriosclerosis
Any of several chronic diseases, such as atherosclerosis, that are characterized by thickening and loss of elasticity of the walls of the arteries and that lead to impaired blood circulation.
Atherosclerosis
(pathology) The clogging or hardening of arteries or blood vessels caused by plaques (accumulations of fatty deposits, usually cholesterol).
Arteriosclerosis
(pathology) Hardening, narrowing or loss of elasticity in arteries or blood vessels.
Atherosclerosis
A form of arteriosclerosis characterized by irregular fatty deposits on the inner surface of large and medium-sized arteries; the deposits are associated with fibrosis and calcification of the inner layer of the arteries. Similar conditions may be found in swine and fowl. The deposits may become large enough to impede the blood circulation and in some cases may restrict the blood supply to the heart.
Arteriosclerosis
A chronic disease characterized by abnormal thickening and hardening of the walls of the arteries, esp. of the intima, occurring mostly in old age. Subtypes are distinguished, such as arteriolosclerosis and atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis
A stage of arteriosclerosis involving fatty deposits (atheromas) inside the arterial walls
Arteriosclerosis
Sclerosis of the arterial walls
Common Curiosities
What are the symptoms of arteriosclerosis?
Symptoms can include high blood pressure and reduced blood flow.
How is atherosclerosis different from arteriosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis specifically involving plaque buildup.
What is atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaques in the inner lining of arteries.
Does atherosclerosis only affect the heart?
No, it can affect arteries throughout the body.
Can atherosclerosis lead to heart attacks?
Yes, atherosclerosis can block coronary arteries and cause heart attacks.
What lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis?
Diet, exercise, and quitting smoking can reduce the risk.
Are atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis hereditary?
There can be a genetic predisposition to these conditions.
What is arteriosclerosis?
Arteriosclerosis is the hardening and loss of elasticity of artery walls.
Are atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis treatable?
Both conditions are manageable with lifestyle changes and medications.
Is arteriosclerosis reversible?
Some forms can be slowed or partially reversed with lifestyle changes.
How are atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis diagnosed?
Through physical exams, imaging tests, and blood tests.
Does atherosclerosis always cause symptoms?
No, it can be asymptomatic until it significantly impedes blood flow.
Can exercise improve atherosclerosis?
Yes, regular exercise can improve circulation and artery health.
Can younger people get arteriosclerosis?
Yes, though it's more common with older age.
What dietary changes can help with arteriosclerosis?
Reducing saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium can help.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
