What is the difference between atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis?
A. Arteriosclerosis is a general term meaning the arterial walls are thickened and stiff. Arteriosclerosis can occur as a part of the aging process and can refer to many various vascular diseases. Atherosclerosis is a more specific term describing plaque deposits within the artery wall that leads to blockages of arteries. The word “atherosclerosis” comes from the Greek words “athero” (gruel or paste) and “sclerosis” (hardness).
