Atherosclerosis vs. Arteriosclerosis: What’s the Difference?

Cardiologist Lawrence Phillips, MD, explains the difference between atherosclerosis and ateriosclerosis and how you can reduce your risk.

Written by Brittany Doohan | Reviewed by Alexandra Schwarz, MD

Updated on September 30, 2023

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Arteriosclerosis is a condition that occurs when arteries narrow and harden, which makes them weak. Eventually, they get so weak that they can no longer do their very important job: Circulating blood throughout your body. This narrowing of the arteries can make it hard for your organs to get the blood that they need.

Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances on your blood vessel walls. Atherosclerosis is actually a type of arteriosclerosis — the most common type — so they are often used interchangeably in discussion with your doctor about risk, says Lawrence Phillips, MD, cardiologist at NYU Langone Health.