Which term describes the hardening or thickening of arteries due to plaque buildup?

• A. Atherosclerosis
• B. Hypertension
• C. Arteriosclerosis
• D. Myocardial infarction

Answer: (C)

Hardening or thickening of arteries due to plaque buildup is described as atherosclerosis. Plaques are deposits of cholesterol, fats, calcium, and other substances that accumulate on the inner walls of arteries, narrowing the passageway and making the vessels stiffer. This process reduces blood flow and can lead to clots, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke depending on which arteries are involved. Arteriosclerosis, while related, is a broader term for the general hardening or loss of elasticity of arterial walls, not exclusively caused by plaque buildup. Hypertension means high blood pressure, which can harm vessels but isn’t the plaque-forming process itself. A myocardial infarction is a heart attack, the outcome that can result from blocked arteries due to atherosclerosis, rather than the process of plaque-induced hardening.