What term refers to the hardening of the arteries?

The term that specifically refers to the hardening of the arteries is arteriosclerosis. This condition involves the thickening and stiffening of artery walls, which can lead to decreased blood flow and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Arteriosclerosis may result from aging, high blood pressure, and other factors that contribute to the loss of elasticity in the arterial walls.

Atherosclerosis, while related, specifically refers to the buildup of plaques within the arteries, which can contribute to the hardening process but are not synonymous with arteriosclerosis itself. Cardiomyopathy pertains to diseases of the heart muscle, and hyperlipidemia involves high levels of lipids in the blood and is a risk factor for conditions like atherosclerosis, but it does not describe the hardening of arteries directly. Understanding these terms helps clarify how different cardiovascular conditions can impact health.