What distinguishes atherosclerosis from arteriosclerosis?

Both of these conditions are diseases of the arteries but the cause of each differs. Atherosclerosis is a condition where the arteries' inner walls have deposits of fats that build up through time. These fatty deposits are called plaques and they are usually caused by bad eating habits and lifestyle. Atherosclerosis can be cured through surgery where doctors will scrape of the fatty deposits from the arteries or they will totally replace the damaged arteries with a different arterial-tubing. If not prevented, this disease could lead to heart attacks or strokes.

Arteriosclerosis is a condition in which the walls of the arteries harden. This typically occurs in old age and is an inevitable condition.