What is the Difference Between Arteriosclerosis and Atherosclerosis?

Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are related but distinct conditions that affect the arteries. Here are the main differences between the two:

Definition: Arteriosclerosis refers to the hardening or thickening of the arteries, causing them to lose flexibility. Atherosclerosis, on the other hand, is a specific type of arteriosclerosis that involves the buildup of fatty plaques, cholesterol, and other substances on the artery walls, causing them to narrow.
Causes: Arteriosclerosis has several different causes, while atherosclerosis is primarily caused by the inflammation and buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Symptoms: Atherosclerosis often has no symptoms in its early stages, but as the condition progresses, it can lead to various symptoms depending on the arteries affected. For example, chest pain or pressure (angina) may occur if the heart arteries are affected, while numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, difficulty speaking, or slurred speech may occur if the arteries leading to the brain are affected.
Treatment: Both conditions can be managed through healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management. However, specific treatments for atherosclerosis may also include medications, such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, and vasodilators, depending on the severity and location of the plaque buildup.

In summary, arteriosclerosis refers to the hardening or thickening of the arteries, while atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis involving the buildup of fatty plaques on the artery walls. The causes, symptoms, and treatments for these conditions differ, but both can benefit from healthy lifestyle habits to support the health and function of the arteries.

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What is the Difference Between Arteriosclerosis and Atherosclerosis?

Comparative Table: Arteriosclerosis vs Atherosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are both conditions that affect the arteries, but they have distinct differences. Here is a table summarizing the differences between the two:

Feature	Arteriosclerosis	Atherosclerosis
Definition	Arteriosclerosis is a general term for a group of conditions that cause arteries to become thick and stiff.	Atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis, characterized by the buildup of plaque (cholesterol, fatty substances) in the arteries, causing them to narrow.
Cause	Arteriosclerosis is caused by factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, stress, and age.	Atherosclerosis is caused by the buildup of cholesterol, fats, and other substances in the arteries.
Symptoms	Arteriosclerosis may not show symptoms until it leads to complications like high blood pressure or hypertension.	Atherosclerosis often has no symptoms in the early stages, but later stages may show signs like chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and dizziness.
Diagnosis	Diagnosis of arteriosclerosis may involve blood tests, imaging tests, and physical examination.	Diagnosis of atherosclerosis may involve blood tests, imaging tests (such as angiography), and physical examination.
Treatment	Treatment for both conditions primarily involves healthy lifestyle habits, such as exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management.	Treatment for atherosclerosis may also include medications like statins or cholesterol absorption inhibitors, and in some cases, invasive procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery.

In summary, arteriosclerosis is a broader term for conditions that cause arteries to become thick and stiff, while atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Both conditions can lead to narrowing of the arteries and reduced blood flow, but they have different causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.