What is the medical term for the hardening of arteries?

The term for the hardening of arteries is arteriosclerosis. This condition involves the thickening and stiffening of the arterial walls, which can lead to reduced blood flow. It is often associated with aging and can contribute to cardiovascular diseases.

Atherosclerosis, while similar in that it also involves the hardening of arteries, specifically refers to the buildup of cholesterol plaques within the arterial walls. This process can lead to a more narrowed and hardened artery but is a specific form of arteriosclerosis rather than the general term for arterial hardening.

Arteriopathy is a broader term that can refer to any disease of the arteries but does not specifically denote hardening.

Vascular disease encompasses a variety of conditions that affect the blood vessels throughout the body, including both arteries and veins, and can include conditions beyond mere hardening, such as inflammation or occlusions.

Understanding these nuances clarifies the distinction between the terms and emphasizes why arteriosclerosis is the most accurate term for the specific process of hardening of arterial walls.