Arteriosclerosis refers to the thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the arterial walls. It is caused by aging, loss of the elastic protein elastin, and thickening of the arterial walls. Cholesterol deposits form beneath the artery endothelium and calcify to form atheromatous plaques, which narrow the arterial lumen. This reduces blood circulation and can lead to heart attack, stroke, hypertension, angina, and peripheral arterial disease.

1. Arteriosclerosis refers to a group of disorders
which causes the thickening , hardening and
loss of elasticity in arterial walls.
*

2. *
Old age
Loss of protein called
elastin
Loss of elasticity of the
arterial musculature
Thickening of the
arterial walls
Arteriosclerosis
genetic trait

3. *
Deposition of cholesterol beneath the
endothelium of arteries
Deposition of fibres and calcium ions
in the cholesterol
Deposits will calcify & become hard
Atheromatous plaques formed &
cause the narrowing of arterial lumen

5. Effects
reduces
blood
circulation
Heart
attack
peripheral arterial
disease (narrowing
of arteries other
than those that
supply the heart or
brain cause leg pain
when walking which
resolves with rest)
Stroke
Hypertension
Angina
pectoris
(Chest
pain)

6. Watch
our diet
• Eat food that has low saturated fats, cholesterol and salt
• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
Watch
our
weight
• Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight
• Regular exercise helps to maintain a healthy heart and good blood
circulation
Don’t
smoke
• Smoking tends to constrict arterioles
• Increase blood pressure & blood cholesterol
Regular
medical
check-
ups
• If there is a family history of cardiovascular diseases, it is good to
keep track of our blood pressure, cholesterol, triglyceride and
sugar levels
Avoid
stress
• This can aggravate and lead to other serious complications.