The difference between arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis

Written by Tang Li
Cardiology
Updated on September 26, 2024
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Arteriosclerosis is the most common and most important among a group of vascular diseases called arteriosclerosis. The common characteristics of various arteriosclerosis include thickening, hardening, loss of elasticity, and narrowing of the arterial walls. The characteristic of arteriosclerosis is that the affected arterial lesions start from the intima, with various lesions coexisting, including local accumulation of papyraceous and complex carbohydrates, proliferation of fibrous tissue, and formation of plaques due to calcification, along with gradual degradation of the arterial media. Secondary lesions include intraplaque hemorrhage, plaque rupture, and local thrombosis formation. Modern cellular and molecular biology techniques show that arteriosclerotic lesions are characterized by migration of macrophages, proliferation of smooth muscle cells, and abundant formation of fibrous, collagen, elastic fibers, and proteoglycans as connective tissue matrices, as well as intra- and extracellular lipid accumulation. Because the lipid accumulation in the intima appears yellow and mushy, it is called arteriosclerosis. Although arteriosclerosis is only one type of arteriosclerosis, it is commonly referred to simply as arteriosclerosis due to its frequent occurrence and significant clinical relevance.

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What tests are used for arteriosclerosis?

If arteriosclerosis is in the early stages, we need to understand the situation with lipids and blood sugar, so lipid and blood glucose tests should be done. Later on, when some atheromatous plaques appear, examinations such as color Doppler ultrasound and cardiac echocardiography can be done to assess blood flow and the degree of narrowing in the vessels. For some severe narrowings, consider conducting a CTA, MRI, or angiography, which can non-invasively understand the lesions of arteriosclerosis. For some patients, if there is a need for interventional treatment, invasive, selective arterial angiography can be performed to understand the condition of the lesions. Therefore, different tests can be chosen at different stages.

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The difference between arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis is a common and important type among a group of vascular diseases known as arteriosclerosis. The common characteristics of various arterioscleroses include thickening and hardening of arterial walls, loss of elasticity, and narrowing of the lumen. Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis characterized by lesions starting from the arterial intima, subsequently involving the accumulation of lipids and complex carbohydrates, bleeding, thrombosis, proliferation of fibrous tissues, and deposition of calcium, along with gradual degeneration and calcification of the arterial media. Since the lipids accumulated in the arterial intima appear yellowish and mushy, it is termed atherosclerosis.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
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What tea to drink for arteriosclerosis?

Patients with arteriosclerosis can drink various types of tea, including green tea, black tea, chrysanthemum tea, goji berry tea, and ginseng tea. These teas can be consumed to increase blood flow, renew knowledge, enhance circulation, cleanse the blood vessels, and alleviate arteriosclerosis. However, one should not rely solely on drinking tea to treat arteriosclerosis. It is also necessary to use certain medications and adjust dietary structures, adopting a low-fat, low-salt, low-sugar diet, avoiding animal liver and fatty meats, reducing the intake of fried foods, and abstaining from high-cholesterol foods such as cream, fish roe, and shrimp.

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Risk factors for arteriosclerosis

The etiology of atherosclerosis is not yet fully understood, but the main risk factors include age and gender. The older the age, the higher the probability of occurrence, and the probability in men is higher than in women. Abnormal blood lipids, with the main treatment target being low-density lipoprotein, hypertension, smoking, glucose tolerance abnormalities, and obesity are all possible risk factors. Additionally, we cannot ignore family history; if there is a history of early-onset coronary heart disease in the family, then this risk factor is also very high. Moreover, personality is related, with Type A personalities being more prone to atherosclerosis. Dietary habits are also related; patients who often eat high-calorie, high-animal-fat, high-cholesterol foods are prone to develop the condition. There are also patients taking oral contraceptives, who are likely to develop atherosclerosis.

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How to prevent arteriosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a disease related to aging, poor lifestyle habits such as smoking, and metabolic abnormalities such as hyperlipidemia or diabetes. Atherosclerosis can be effectively prevented. To prevent atherosclerosis, the following should be adhered to: First, maintain good lifestyle habits, exercise regularly, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and eat less spicy and greasy foods. Second, control blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar levels. When issues such as elevated blood pressure and lipids arise, it is necessary to use medication under the guidance of a doctor.