Overview
Arteriosclerosis is a general term for conditions in which the walls of arteries become thicker, less flexible and narrowed, reducing their ability to carry blood. It is not a single disease but a group of processes that impair arterial elasticity and lumen size, which can reduce blood flow to organs and tissues and raise the risk of serious events such as heart attack and stroke.
Main types
Medical classification separates arteriosclerotic changes into several forms, each affecting different arterial layers and vessel sizes:
- Atherosclerosis: the commonest form. It involves accumulation of fatty plaques composed of lipids, inflammatory cells, cellular debris and fibrous material within the inner arterial layer. See more about plaque content in plaque composition and the role of cholesterol in lipid biology.
- Mönckeberg medial calcific sclerosis: characterized by calcium deposition in the artery's middle layer, causing stiffness without necessarily narrowing the lumen; related processes are described in sources about vascular calcification here.
- Arteriolosclerosis: affects the smallest arterioles, often associated with long‑standing high blood pressure or diabetes and can impair tissue perfusion.
Causes and risk factors
The development of arteriosclerosis is multifactorial. Major contributors include elevated blood lipids, especially certain cholesterol fractions; smoking; hypertension; obesity; physical inactivity; and metabolic conditions such as diabetes. Genetic predisposition and age also influence risk. Modifiable behaviors and medical conditions are common targets for prevention and treatment strategies; lifestyle factors are discussed further at smoking cessation resources and guidance on weight management obesity and health.
Symptoms and complications
Many people have few or no symptoms until blood flow becomes significantly reduced or a complication occurs. When larger arteries supply the heart or brain, narrowing can cause chest pain (angina), transient neurological symptoms, or permanent injury such as myocardial infarction or stroke. Reduced blood flow to the limbs can produce pain on exertion and in severe cases lead to tissue loss. Thrombus formation on a disrupted plaque can suddenly block an artery, producing acute, severe events.
Diagnosis and evaluation
Diagnosis combines clinical assessment with imaging and laboratory tests. Doctors evaluate risk factors, listen for abnormal arterial sounds, and may order blood tests for lipids and glucose. Noninvasive imaging such as ultrasound, CT angiography or MRI angiography can visualize plaque and vessel narrowing; invasive angiography is used when precise mapping is required for treatment planning.
Treatment and prevention
Management aims to reduce symptoms, slow progression and prevent complications. Lifestyle measures — smoking cessation, a diet low in saturated fats, regular physical activity and weight control — are foundational. Medications may include agents that lower lipid levels, control blood pressure, reduce blood clotting tendency or manage diabetes. In selected cases, procedures such as angioplasty, stent placement or bypass surgery restore blood flow.
Importance and notable facts
Arteriosclerotic disease is a leading contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in many populations. Because much of the risk is modifiable, public health measures and individual prevention can substantially reduce disease burden. For practical advice on reducing cholesterol and other measures, see clinical guidance and patient resources at clinical prevention.