ARTERIOSCLEROSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Arteriosclerosis is a medical term referring to the hardening and thickening of the walls of the arteries, leading to a restricted blood flow. The word is derived from the Greek words "arterio," which means artery, and "sclerosis," which means hardening. It is a chronic condition that typically progresses slowly over time.
Arteriosclerosis occurs as a result of the accumulation of fatty deposits, cholesterol, and other substances in the arteries, causing them to become narrow and stiff. As these deposits build up, they form a plaque-like substance that reduces the elasticity of the arterial walls, making them less flexible and inhibiting proper blood circulation. Arteriosclerosis often affects multiple arteries throughout the body, including those leading to the heart, brain, kidneys, and limbs.
The main risk factors for arteriosclerosis include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and a family history of the disease. Arteriosclerosis can present with a multitude of symptoms, depending on the affected arteries. They can range from chest pain, shortness of breath, and leg pain with physical activity to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and peripheral artery disease.
The prevention and treatment of arteriosclerosis involve adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, quitting smoking, managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and controlling diabetes. Medications such as statins, antiplatelet drugs, and anticoagulants can be prescribed to manage the condition and lower the risk of complications. In severe cases, surgical interventions like angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery may be necessary to restore blood flow to the affected areas.
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Arterial sclerosis; a fibrous overgrowth, mainly of the inner coat of an artery, associated with degenerative changes in the middle coat, causing thickening of the arterial wall with loss of elasticity and contractility.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Etymology of ARTERIOSCLEROSIS
The word "arteriosclerosis" is derived from two Greek roots: "arterio" and "sclerosis".
- "Arterio" comes from the Greek word "arteria", which means "artery". The term "arteria" was used by ancient Greek anatomists to describe the blood vessels in the body.
- "Sclerosis" originates from the Greek word "skleros", meaning "hard" or "hardened".
When combined, "arterio" and "sclerosis" form "arteriosclerosis", which literally means "hardening of the arteries". This term is used in medicine to describe a condition where the walls of the arteries become thick, rigid, and less elastic.
Similar spelling words for ARTERIOSCLEROSIS
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