This article is not meant for inidividuals attempting self-treatment. A visit to the local physician or hospital for professional medical assistance and treatment is advised.

Introduction

Arteriosclerosis means the "hardening of the arteries" in Greek. This is also a general term used to describe several diseases involving the cardiovascular system. Note that arteriosclerosis is not the same as atherosclerosis, but related.

Alternative names:

• Arteriosclerosis obliterans
• Peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)

Arteriosclerosis is typically characterized by:

• loss of elasticity in the arteries
• narrowing and hardening of the arteries to the upper and lower extremities of the body
• decrease in blood flow (ischemia) that can injure nerves and other tissues

Types of Arteriosclerosis

Monckeberg's arteriosclerosis involves the deposition of calcium in the arterial endothelial tissues of the lower extremities, generally leading to hypertension.

Arteriolar sclerosis is a condition affecting the inner and medial layers of smaller arteries, characterized by decreased blood flow to certain organs. Affected organs are usually:

• eyes
• limbs
• internal organs

Signs and Symptoms

• hypertension
• impaired blood circulation to the upper and lower extremities
  • intermittent/recurrent kidney infections
    • renal failure
  • peripheral vascular disease
  • poor/impaired vision
    • blindness
  • poor circulation to fingers and toes
  • weak/absent of pulse in the limb
    • numbness of the legs/feet at rest
    • muscle pain of the thighs, calves, or feet
    • loss of hair on the legs/feet
    • cyanosis

Complications

• injury or infection to legs/feet
• ischemic ulcers in the lower limb
• gangrene
• arterial embolism - sudden interruption of blood flow to an organ/tissue
• impotence

Diagnosis

The following examinations could be recommended by a physician for the diagnosis

• blood test
• Magetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Intravascular ultrasound
• Doppler ultrasound
• arteriography/angiography of the arteries in the legs

A common diagnosis for arteriosclerosis would be

• may have high blood cholesterol (≥200 mg/dl)
• an abnormal ankle/brachial index (ABI) - ratio between blood pressure of the ankle and arm
• decreased/absent pulse in the affected limb

Treatment

Treatment would focus on the relief of symptoms and improvement of blood circulation

Surgery is performed only when strictly necessary.

Self care as part of the treatment would usually include the recommendation of:

• Exercise is strongly recommended, as it leads to the development of collateral blood vessels, improving blood circulation
• Reduction of dietary fat and cholesterol intake
• Cessation of smoking

Lifestyle Risk Factors

Lifestyles habits that contribute to arteriosclerosis:

• smoking
• overweight/obesity
  • BMI ≥27

Other risk factors include:

• stress
• males >50 years of age
• family history of:
  • cerebrovascular disease (stroke)
  • diabetes
  • hypertension
  • kidney diseases involving hemodialysis

See Also

Atherosclerosis

External Links

• Arteriosclerosis

• MedLine Plus Medical Encyclopedia