Hardening of the arteries is a generic term that is most often applied to atherosclerosis. This is a descriptive term that is most useful when talking with patients about what they have, and is not the kind of jargon you want to be using when discussing patients with your colleagues. Be specific and use the term that applies to the specific process.

Mark Braun, MD braunm@indiana.edu
Copyright 1998, the Trustees of Indiana University