Final answer:
Arteriosclerosis is the medical term for hardening of the arteries, and a specific type of this condition, characterized by plaque buildup, is called atherosclerosis. This condition leads to stiff and thick arteries, narrowing the blood vessels which can be seen in diagnostic imaging.
Step-by-step explanation:
The diagnostic term that means hardening of the arteries is arteriosclerosis. Specifically, when plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries, the condition is known as atherosclerosis, which is a type of arteriosclerosis. Over time, this buildup can cause the arteries to stiffen and thicken, leading to reduced elasticity and narrow blood vessels. Contributing factors to this process include advanced age, genetic predispositions, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and tobacco use. Early signs may be detected via imagery such as a coronary angiogram which reveals occlusions in arteries that, if uncorrected, can lead to serious cardiovascular events.