arteriosclerosis

arteriosclerosis Hardening and thickening of the walls of the arteries. Arteriosclerosis leads to heart attacks and strokes, as well as to peripheral vascular disease. Arteriosclerosis can be categorized as atherosclerosis, medial calcification, hypertensive, or arteriolar sclerosis. See also atherosclerosis; heart attack; stroke; peripheral vascular disease.