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arteriosclerosis

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | Copyright

arteriosclerosis , general term for a condition characterized by thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the walls of the blood vessels. These changes are frequently accompanied by accumulations inside the vessel walls of lipids, e.g., cholesterol; this condition is frequently referred to as atherosclerosis. Initially lesions are formed on the arterial walls, which results in blistering and the accumulation of low-density cholesterol. This produces higher blood pressure, which facilitates the imbedding of cholesterol and calcium in the vessel walls. The fatty material accumulates calcium and produces hard plaques, thus hardening the walls of the vessels. As the vessel walls thicken, the passageways through the vessels narrow, decreasing the blood supply to the affected region. Constriction of the coronary arteries may affect the heart (see coronary artery disease , heart disease ). If the leg vessels are affected, there may be pain with walking and an onset of gangrene. When there is total clotting of a vessel ( thrombosis ) the result may be a heart attack (if it occurs in the coronary arteries) or stroke (if in cerebral arteries).

Arteriosclerosis risk factors include hypertension , elevated levels of fats in the blood, cigarette smoking, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. Genetic risks are related to the ability of the body to process (uptake and metabolize) low-density lipids that contain cholesterol. Reduction of body cholesterol to normal levels through cholesterol-lowering drugs and a restricted-fat diet is usually prescribed. The latter generally entails substitution of vegetable fats for animal fats, but an exception may be "trans fat," artificially hydrogenated vegetable oils found in margarine and vegetable shortening, which studies have linked to increased risk of coronary disease. Treatment of hypertension, stress management, and cessation of smoking are also important. Increasing consumption of antioxidants and folic acid may be protective. Surgical treatment that bypasses clogged areas or procedures such as angioplasty are sometimes necessary; gene therapy that forces the growth of new blood vessels bypassing an area has also been used. Exercise often can increase utilization of excess low-density lipids. Although the relationship between blood cholesterol levels and arteriosclerosis is not fully understood, the utilization of low-density lipids appears to be a primary indicator of the risk of arteriosclerosis.

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Arteriosclerosis

Nutrition and Well-Being A to Z | 2004 | | Copyright

Arteriosclerosis

The term arteriosclerosis is used to describe several cardiovascular diseases, including those involving the blood vessels. In this instance, the arteries become hardened and blood vessels lose their "elastic" effect. Arteriosclerosis can begin in early childhood.

The primary risk factors for arteriosclerosis include hypertension (high blood pressure ), diabetes mellitus, smoking, and obesity . All of these risk factors are preventable by exercising regularly, smoking cessation, eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, and through proper stress management.

Two types of arteriosclerosis include Monckeberg's arteriosclerosis, which usually involves restricted movement of the lower extremities, and arteriolar sclerosis, which can lead to decreased vision and peripheral vascular disease. Signs and symptoms of arteriosclerosis include high blood pressure, multiple kidney infections, and poor circulation in the toes and fingers.

Teresa A. Lyles

Bibliography

Insel, P. M., and Roth, W. T. (2003). "Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer." In Core Concepts in Health, brief 9th edition. New York: McGraw-Hill

Internet Resources

Well-Net/Health Education Associates. "Arteriosclerosis." Available from <http://www.well-net.com/cardiov>

Health with Nutrition. "Arteriosclerosis/Atherosclerosis." Available from <http://www.healingwithnutrition.com>

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Lyles, Teresa A.. "Arteriosclerosis." Nutrition and Well-Being A to Z. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

Lyles, Teresa A.. "Arteriosclerosis." Nutrition and Well-Being A to Z. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3436200031.html

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arteriosclerosis

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Copyright

arteriosclerosis Blanket term for degenerative diseases of the arteries, in particular atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). It is caused by deposits of fatty materials and scar tissue on the artery walls, which narrow the channel and restrict blood flow, causing an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, or gangrene. Evidence suggests that predisposition to the disease is hereditary. Risk factors include cigarette smoking, inactivity, obesity, and a diet rich in animal fats and refined sugar. Treatment is by drugs and, in some cases, surgery to replace a diseased length of artery.

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arteriosclerosis

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English | 2009 | Copyright

ar·te·ri·o·scle·ro·sis / ärˌti(ə)rēōskləˈrōsis/ • n. Med. the thickening and hardening of the walls of the arteries, occurring typically in old age. DERIVATIVES: ar·te·ri·o·scle·rot·ic / -ˈrätik/ adj.

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arteriosclerosis

A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition | 2005 | | Copyright

arteriosclerosis Thickening and calcification of the arterial walls, leading to loss of elasticity, occurring with ageing and especially in hypertension. See also atheroma; atherosclerosis.

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DAVID A. BENDER. "arteriosclerosis." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

DAVID A. BENDER. "arteriosclerosis." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O39-arteriosclerosis.html

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arteriosclerosis

arteriosclerosis (ar-teer-i-oh-skleer-oh-sis) n. any of several conditions affecting the arteries, especially atherosclerosis.

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"arteriosclerosis." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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