Which condition is characterized by the thickening and loss of elasticity of artery walls?

The condition characterized by the thickening and loss of elasticity of artery walls is arteriosclerosis. This term specifically refers to the hardening or stiffening of the arterial walls, which can result from various influences including age, hypertension, and other factors that damage vascular structures. Due to this thickening, blood vessels can become less flexible, and as a consequence, they may not effectively accommodate the flow of blood, which can lead to increased blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.

It’s important to note that arteriosclerosis encompasses several forms of arterial degeneration, one of which may include atherosclerosis. While atherosclerosis specifically refers to the buildup of plaque (composed of fats, cholesterol, and other substances) within the arteries, leading to narrowing and potential blockage, it is a subtype of arteriosclerosis. Hence, differentiating the two is crucial in understanding cardiovascular diseases more broadly. Other conditions such as heart failure and arrhythmia do not directly correlate with the changes in the arterial wall structure as described in the question.