arteriosclerosis /ärtir′ē·ō′sklərō″sis/ [Gk, arteria + sklerosis, hardening] , a common disorder characterized by thickening, loss of elasticity, and calcification of arterial walls. It results in a decreased blood supply, especially to the cerebrum and lower extremities. The condition often develops with aging and in hypertension, nephrosclerosis, scleroderma, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Typical signs and symptoms include intermittent claudication, changes in skin temperature and color, altered peripheral pulses, bruits over an involved artery, headache, dizziness, and memory defects. Vasodilators and exercise may relieve symptoms, but there is no specific treatment. Preventive measures include therapy for predisposing diseases, adequate rest and exercise, avoidance of stress, and discontinuation of tobacco use. Also called arterial sclerosis, hardening of the arteries. Kinds include atherosclerosis, Mönckeberg’s arteriosclerosis. −arteriosclerotic, adj.
