What is the condition called when arteries become clogged and hardened?

The condition characterized by arteries becoming clogged and hardened is best described as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis involves the buildup of plaque—a mixture of fatty substances, cholesterol, and other materials—on the artery walls, leading to their narrowing and hardening. This condition can restrict blood flow and is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.

While arteriosclerosis is often used interchangeably with atherosclerosis, it more broadly refers to the thickening and stiffening of blood vessel walls in general, which can include different forms of arterial hardening that are not solely due to plaque buildup.

Venous insufficiency refers to a condition affecting veins and their ability to send blood back to the heart, while hyperlipidemia indicates elevated levels of lipids in the blood. These conditions, while related to cardiovascular health, do not specifically describe the clogging and hardening of arteries as accurately as atherosclerosis does.