Both arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis refer to vascular pathologies that affect the arteries. Although they refer to two different diseases, they can however be linked. Depending on the arteries affected (carotid, coronary, arteries of the lower limbs), there is a risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, or even arteritis of the lower limbs. In other words, a cardiovascular risk. Find out what the differences are between arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis.
1. Arteriosclerosis: what is it?
The difference between arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis, which are both arterial pathologies, lies essentially in the nature of these pathologies. One is the expression of a natural phenomenon, and the other of poor lifestyle or comorbidities. Arteriosclerosis refers to the hardening, thickening and therefore loss of elasticity of the wall of the arteries, due to sclerosis (lesions) of the wall of the arteries, specifies Vulgaris Médical. It is a natural phenomenon, linked to aging. According to the National Academy of Medicine, in fact, with age, the walls of the arteries thicken and harden, because the amount of collagen increases while the amount of elastin remains constant.
2. Atherosclerosis: what is it?
Atherosclerosis, on the other hand, is not a natural or inevitable phenomenon. According to Inserm, atherosclerosis refers to the deposition of lipid plaques, called atherosclerotic plaques, on the internal wall of the arteries (the intima). Over time, these plaques can cause blockage of the arteries, damage to the artery walls (sclerosis), or even rupture and form a clot which will prevent blood circulation. However, without blood supply or with reduced blood flow, the organs are no longer sufficiently supplied with oxygen: this is a cardiovascular accident (ischemia).
If atherosclerosis occurs in the coronary arteries, there is a risk of myocardial infarction. If it affects the carotid arteries, there is a risk of stroke. Finally, if the arteries that supply blood to the lower limbs are affected, this can cause arteritis of the lower limbs. Atherosclerosis, unlike arteriosclerosis, most often results from an inadequate lifestyle: diet too rich in saturated fatty acids, insufficient physical activity, tobacco, alcohol. However, it can also be associated with family history, stress, a metabolic pathology such as diabetes, or high blood pressure.
3. When arteriosclerosis is a form of atherosclerosis
The loss of elasticity and thickening of the arteries with age, otherwise known as arteriosclerosis, can accelerate if the person has atherosclerotic plaques (atherosclerosis). In fact, these plaques, mainly composed of bad cholesterol, will settle on the internal wall of the arteries, making it even thicker and less flexible. In this case, arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are linked.
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Read also :
⋙ Stroke: are you at risk? 10 questions to ask yourself
⋙ Myocardial infarction: definition, symptoms, treatments
⋙ Arteritis of the lower limbs (PAID): symptoms and treatments for this disease which affects the legs