What are common diseases associated with arterial walls?
Several diseases can affect arterial walls, leading to severe health issues.
Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis is characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the tunica intima. This can lead to narrowing and hardening of the arteries, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Aneurysms An aneurysm occurs when a section of the arterial wall weakens and bulges outward. This can lead to a rupture, causing life-threatening internal bleeding.
Hypertension Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can cause damage to arterial walls over time, leading to a variety of cardiovascular diseases.