Final answer:
Arteriosclerosis is the generalized hardening of arteries, while atherosclerosis is the build-up of plaque in the artery walls. Risk factors include advanced age, hypertension, obesity, smoking, and high lipid levels in the blood. Treatment options can vary from lifestyle changes to surgeries like angioplasty or bypass procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are both conditions related to the health of arterial blood vessels, and a major risk factor for both is advanced age. Arteriosclerosis denotes the general hardening of the arteries, a loss of compliance where the arterial walls become less elastic. In contrast, atherosclerosis is characterized by the build-up of plaque within the artery walls, which can narrow the lumen and stiffen the arterial walls, often leading to blocked blood flow and potential cardiovascular events.
The progression of these diseases often begins with injury to the endothelium of an artery, which may occur due to factors such as high blood glucose and tobacco use. There are many other documented risk factors, including smoking, family history of the condition, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and high levels of lipids in the blood (hyperlipidemia). Treatments depend on the severity and can range from medication and lifestyle changes to more invasive procedures like angioplasty or coronary bypass surgery.