arterial sclerosis
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A pathological condition characterized by the hardening and thickening of the walls of arteries: "Arterial sclerosis" refers to a chronic disease process where arterial walls lose elasticity and become rigid due to factors like plaque buildup, scarring, or calcium deposits. This condition impairs blood flow.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The autopsy revealed significant arterial sclerosis, which contributed to the patient's heart failure.
- A diet high in saturated fats can accelerate the development of arterial sclerosis.
- Doctors monitor elderly patients for signs of arterial sclerosis during routine check-ups.
Advanced Usage
- Medical Context: The term is often used in clinical and pathological reports to describe the general state of hardened arteries, which is a key component of broader cardiovascular diseases.
- The patient's history of hypertension and diabetes predisposed him to diffuse arterial sclerosis.
Variants and Related Words
- Arteriosclerosis (n): Often used synonymously with "arterial sclerosis," though it is a more general term for the hardening of arteries.
- Atherosclerosis (n): A specific and common form of arterial sclerosis involving the buildup of fatty plaques (atheromas) inside the artery walls.
- Sclerotic (adj): Pertaining to or affected by sclerosis; hardened.
- The sclerotic arteries were no longer able to dilate properly.
Synonyms
- Hardening of the arteries: A common, non-technical synonym.
- Arteriosclerosis: A closely related medical term.
Related Phrases
- Coronary artery disease: A condition often caused by atherosclerosis (a type of arterial sclerosis) in the heart's arteries.
- Peripheral arterial disease: Hardening and narrowing of arteries supplying the limbs, typically due to arterial sclerosis.
Notes on Meaning
- The term "arterial sclerosis" specifically denotes the pathological process within the artery walls themselves. It is a cause of reduced vascular function, not a symptom. It is distinct from other circulatory problems like varicose veins or aneurysms.
Noun
- sclerosis of the arterial walls