What is the medical term for artery hardening?

What is the medical term for artery hardening?

Arteriosclerosis occurs when the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients from your heart to the rest of your body (arteries) become thick and stiff — sometimes restricting blood flow to your organs and tissues.

What is the hardening of arteries called?

Atherosclerosis is a disease that occurs when plaque builds up inside arteries. The arteries get hard and narrow, which can restrict blood flow and lead to blood clots, heart attack or stroke. Atherosclerosis may begin in childhood, and it gets worse over time.

What is narrowing of the arteries?

Hardening or narrowing of the arteries is the buildup of cholesterol, fats and other fatty substances known as plaque on the inner walls of the arteries. This condition restricts blood flow to the heart and can affect the arteries in the heart, lungs and other organs.

What are the symptoms of hardening of the arteries?

Symptoms of Hardening of the Arteries. The following features are indicative of Hardening of the Arteries: sudden weakness. numbness of the face, arms, or legs. confusion. trouble speaking. breathing problems.

How do you treat hardening of arteries?

When hardening of the arteries is severe, other treatment may be necessary. Angioplasty includes the placement of a thin balloon in the artery. When the balloon is blown up in the body, it increases the size of the artery, allowing for better blood flow. Blood flow may also be improved with bypass surgery.

How do I prevent hardening of the arteries?

In eating a healthy diet, one of the key things that you can do to prevent hardening arteries is to limit your intake of saturated and trans fats. Saturated fats come from animals products like butter and lard; trans fats are often found in hydrogenated oils like margarine or in prepared foods.

What makes arteries hard?

Hardened arteries, also called atherosclerosis , are caused by the build up of plaques in the arterial walls.