Pharmacology Notes

Arteriosclerosis and Atherosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis is the term used to describe degenerative changes in small arteries, commonly occurring in older individuals and diabetics. Elasticity is lost, and the walls become thick and hard. The lumen gradually narrows and may become obscured. Th is leads to diff use ischemia and death in various tissues, such as those of the heart, kidneys, or brain.

Atherosclerosis is differentiated by the presence of atheromas (plaques consisting of lipids, cells, and cell debris, often with attached thrombi, which form inside the walls of large arteries). Atheromas form primarily in large arteries such as the aorta and the coronary arteries.