Arteriosclerosis

Lore & Background

The lesions of arteriosclerosis begin when the intima of an artery starts to fill up with the deposition of cellular wastes. As these develop, they can take different forms, all linked through common features such as stiffening of arterial vessels, thickening of arterial walls, and the degenerative nature of the disease. Atherosclerosis affects large and medium-sized arteries, while arteriolosclerosis only affects small arteries and arterioles. Monckeberg's arteriosclerosis is seen mostly in the elderly, commonly in arteries of the extremities.

Reader's Guide

Arteriosclerosis is significant as an umbrella term encompassing several vascular disorders that lead to abnormal thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity in arterial walls. The disease process gradually restricts blood flow, and signs and symptoms depend on the vessel affected, ranging from chest pain in coronary artery disease to sudden weakness or confusion in cerebrovascular accidents. Diagnosis can be based on physical exam, blood test, and EKG. Treatment includes preventive measures, medications for high cholesterol and high blood pressure, lifestyle changes, and surgical options such as angioplasty, coronary artery bypass surgery, endarterectomy, and thrombolytic therapy. The term was coined by Jean Lobstein while analyzing calcified arterial lesions, and the diagnostics and clinical implications were not recognized until the 20th century.

Did You Know?

• The term 'arteriosclerosis' is derived from Greek words meaning 'artery' and 'hardened'.
• Atherosclerosis is the specific form of arteriosclerosis caused by buildup of fatty plaques, cholesterol, and other substances.
• Family history is the most significant independent risk factor for coronary artery disease.