ACSM Health Fitness Specialist Practice Test

The loss of elasticity in the arteries is best described by arteriosclerosis. This condition involves the thickening and hardening of the arterial walls, which leads to a decrease in their elastic properties. As the arteries become less elastic, they are less able to expand in response to pulsatile blood flow, which can contribute to increased blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.

In contrast, atherosclerosis specifically refers to the buildup of plaques (cholesterol, fat, and other substances) within the arteries, which can narrow the arterial lumen but is a distinct process from the generalized stiffening seen in arteriosclerosis. Thrombosis refers to the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel, while angina is a symptom (chest pain) that arises from insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle, often caused by underlying conditions like atherosclerosis. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing the specific characteristics and implications of each cardiovascular condition.