Arteriosclerosis

Latest Edit: Iva Lloyd, ND 2013-05-10 (EDT)

Arteriosclerosis is a generic term for a number of diseases in which the arterial wall becomes thickened and loses elasticity. Conditions that fall under the arteriosclerosis classification include:

• Atherosclerosis which involves the buildup of fatty deposits in the innermost lining of large and medium-sized arteries.
• Medial sclerosis which involves calcium buildup in the medial layer of arteries in the extremities, leading to hypertension.
• Arteriolar sclerosis which involves the inner and medial layers of small arteries, which can decrease the blood flow to the limbs, eyes and inernal organs.

Associated Conditions

• Obesity
• Smoking
• Hypertension
• Type II Diabetes