Which condition leads to the thickening and hardening of arterial walls?

The correct answer is related to arteriosclerosis, which specifically refers to the thickening and hardening of the arterial walls. This condition results from the loss of elasticity in the arteries and is often associated with aging and various health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. As the arterial walls become thickened, they can lead to reduced blood flow and increased blood pressure, ultimately contributing to cardiovascular diseases.

Arteriosclerosis is a broader term that encompasses various forms of arterial hardening and thickening, including atherosclerosis. However, atherosclerosis specifically describes the buildup of plaque (which includes fat, cholesterol, and other substances) within the arterial walls, leading to narrowing and potential blockages, not simply the general hardening effect noted in arteriosclerosis.

The other conditions listed are distinct from arteriosclerosis. For instance, embolism refers to an obstruction in a blood vessel due to a blood clot or other particles, while peripheral vascular disease (PVD) relates to diseases of the blood vessels outside the heart and brain which can affect blood flow but does not specifically denote the thickening and hardening of the arterial walls. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why arteriosclerosis is the correct answer for the condition that leads to the thickening and hardening