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Arteriosclerosis refers to stiff and hard artery walls, which may lead to increased blood pressure. Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis involving plaque buildup within the
arteries. But that’s not the only difference.
Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from your heart and to vital organs.
Atherosclerosis happens when these arteries become narrow due to a buildup of plaque. This can make it difficult for oxygen to reach your organs.
Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The plaque buildup in atherosclerosis makes the arteries thick and stiff.
Read on to learn about the causes, risk factors, and treatment for each one.
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that involves buildup of plaque in your arteries. This plaque is made of substances such as cholesterol and fat.
As the plaque accumulates, it makes your arteries narrow. This lowers the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your vital organs.
Arteriosclerosis occurs when the walls of arteries become stiff and hard. This makes it harder for blood to flow through, which increases pressure.
If left untreated, arteriosclerosis can lead to high blood pressure, or hypertension.
It can be difficult to identify atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis.
In the early stages, atherosclerosis typically causes no symptoms.
If you do have symptoms, it usually appears when you’re physically or emotionally stressed. That’s because your body needs more oxygen during these times.
Arteriosclerosis also causes no symptoms, especially in the early stages.
Even if it progresses into hypertension, or high blood pressure, it will cause no symptoms. The only way to know if you have hypertension is to get your blood pressure measured.
Atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis are caused by different mechanisms.
Atherosclerosis is linked to damage of endothelial cells. These cells make up the inner lining of the artery.
When this happens, it leads to inflammation. This promotes the development of plaque.
Elastin fibers are proteins that make arterial walls elastic and flexible.
When elastic fibers are exposed to oxidative damage, they break apart and fray. This lowers the structured arrangement of elastin fibers.
As a result, the arterial wall becomes stiff, causing arteriosclerosis.
In general, atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis have different risk factors, but some overlap.
Over time, the elastin fibers naturally lose their elasticity. This makes your arteries stiff and hard, potentially leading to arteriosclerosis.
In fact, after age 55, the stiffness of arteries significantly increases.
Arteriosclerosis increases the risk of hypertension, eventually leading to atherosclerosis and other health conditions.
The treatment for atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis is similar.
It primarily involves healthy lifestyle habits that support the health and function of your arteries.
Atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis usually cause no symptoms until they’ve led to other health conditions.
So, it’s a good idea to visit a doctor for annual physical exams. These routine checkups will allow your doctor to determine if you’re at risk of developing either condition.
Additionally, you’ll be able to start treating the condition before it gets worse.
It’s also a good idea to visit a doctor if you haven’t had your blood pressure or blood cholesterol measured in a long time.
To diagnose atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis, a doctor will use the following tests:
It’s possible to reverse atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis before they lead to more serious conditions.
In both cases, it will involve healthy lifestyle habits and medication. These treatments will help lower plaque and inflammation in the arteries.
When managed properly, atherosclerosis can be reversed within 1 or 2 years.
If atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis have progressed to chronic disease, you many need surgery. The procedure depends on the disease and arteries affected.
Atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis are often confused with each other, but they’re different conditions. Atherosclerosis happens when your arteries become narrow due to a buildup of
plaque. It’s caused by inflammation in the arteries.
Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis, a condition in which your arteries become stiff. Arteriosclerosis is caused by elastin fibers in your arteries losing elasticity.
Both conditions cause no symptoms until they progress into serious conditions. So, the best way to prevent them is to practice healthy lifestyle habits and visit your doctor regularly.
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