Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are sometimes mistaken for the same condition. Whereas atherosclerosis is more of a specific type of arteriosclerosis that has different causes, symptoms, and treatment. Let’s explain each of them separately.
What Is Arteriosclerosis?
Arteriosclerosis is a general term used to describe a group of conditions that causes arteries to become thick and stiff. Healthy arteries are stretchy and flexible and their work is to carry oxygen and nutrients via blood to and from your heart and lungs. When arteriosclerosis occurs and they stiffen, blood flow in the body gets interrupted, causing circulation problems. This stiffening is known as the hardening of the arteries.