Literally, it means "hardening of the arteries." Arteries are blood vessels that carry fresh oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. When arteries harden, they cannot efficiently circulate blood, putting a strain on the heart.
                            Furthermore, narrowing or blockage of blood vessels can lead to myocardial infarction, angina, cerebral infarction, and peripheral artery disease. Ruptured blood vessels also pose a risk of cerebral hemorrhage. Since it often progresses without noticeable symptoms, arteriosclerosis is sometimes called the "silent killer."