What is arteriosclerosis, and how does it differ from atherosclerosis?
Arteriosclerosis is a general term referring to the thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of arterial walls, regardless of the cause. It encompasses several distinct conditions, of which atherosclerosis is the most common and most serious form. Any suspicion of an acute cardiovascular complication warrants calling 15. Vascular support supplements are available in the store’s cardiovascular health line.
- Senile (physiological) arteriosclerosis: natural aging of the arterial wall—collagen deposition and loss of elastic fibers in the media—progressive increase in aortic stiffness (pulse wave velocity ↑) — contributes to isolated systolic hypertension in older adults — an inevitable process that can be slowed by lifestyle changes
- Atherosclerosis: a major pathological condition — accumulation of lipid plaques (oxidized LDL + foam cells) in the arterial intima — risk of plaque rupture → thrombosis → heart attack or stroke — modifiable risk factors: hypercholesterolemia, smoking, hypertension, diabetes
- Medial calcification (Mönckeberg’s arteriosclerosis): calcium deposits in the muscular layer of the media—distinct from atherosclerosis (calcification without stenosis)—common in diabetes and chronic kidney disease—arteries palpable as a “lead pipe”
- Arteriolosclerosis: thickening and hyalinization of small arteries and arterioles—a direct consequence of chronichypertension —affects the kidneys (hypertensive nephropathy) and the retina
Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications of Arteriosclerosis
- Silent phase: Arteriosclerosis is asymptomatic for decades—the first symptoms often appear when there is a severe reduction in blood flow
- Manifestations depending on the affected areas: coronary arteries (angina pectoris, myocardial infarction—see atherosclerosis)—carotid and cerebral arteries (stroke, transient ischemic attack)—renal arteries (renovascular hypertension, renal failure)—arteries of the lower extremities (intermittent claudication, PAD)
- Diagnosis: measurement of pulse wave velocity (aortic stiffness) — systolic pressure index (SPI — PAD) — carotid Doppler ultrasound (intima-media thickness) — lipid profile, blood glucose, blood pressure — performed by a physician
- Seek emergency care (call 15): severe chest pain — sudden neurological deficit — lower limb pain with sudden pallor and coldness (acute ischemia)
Prevention and Natural Support for Arterial Health
Medication (statins, antihypertensives, antiplatelet agents) is prescribed and monitored by a doctor — never adjust your medication without medical advice. These supplements support a healthy lifestyle.
- Vascular-protective diet: omega-3 EPA-DHA (reduces vascular inflammation and triglycerides) — reduced saturated fat intake (↓ LDL) — polyphenolic antioxidants (berries, olives, cocoa) — soluble fiber (oats, legumes) — salt < 5 g/day (WHO) — turmeric (curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory effects on blood vessels)
- Smoking Cessation: quit smoking — Tobacco Info Service: 3989 — nicotine accelerates arterial stiffness and LDL oxidation — improvement in arterial stiffness begins within the first few months after quitting
- Physical activity: 150 min/week of moderate activity improves arterial compliance (elasticity) — reduces pulse wave velocity — normalizes blood pressure
- Weight control: Abdominal obesity accelerates atherosclerosis — a 5–10% weight loss improves arterial compliance and normalizes blood pressure — see also cholesterol management
