What term refers to the narrowing of arteries mainly due to plaque build-up?

The term that refers to the narrowing of arteries primarily due to plaque build-up is arteriosclerosis. This condition involves the thickening and hardening of the arterial walls, which often results from the accumulation of lipids, cholesterol, and other substances. As plaques develop, they can restrict blood flow and lead to various cardiovascular problems.

While terms like aneurysm, stroke, and coronary artery disease are related to cardiovascular health, they describe different conditions. An aneurysm refers to an abnormal bulge or ballooning in the wall of a blood vessel, which can lead to rupture but does not specifically describe narrowing or plaque build-up. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, which may happen as a consequence of narrowed arteries but is not a direct term for the narrowing itself. Coronary artery disease is a type of arteriosclerosis that specifically affects the coronary arteries, but it is a broader term that encompasses multiple factors beyond just the narrowing due to plaque. Therefore, the most precise term for this condition is arteriosclerosis.