n. literally, this means the hardening of the arteries. This is often a result of the deposition of plaques in the artery walls (see atherosclerosis) and consequently leads to the narrowing and loss of flexibility within arteries. This may lead to the partial or full occlusion of one or more arteries and, when affecting cerebral vessels, stroke.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS: “Arteriosclerosis is a condition whereby the arteries harden, thus constricting blood flow, which can lead to stroke.”