Which condition involves the hardening of the arteries due to plaque buildup?

The condition that involves the hardening of the arteries due to plaque buildup is atherosclerosis. This process occurs when fatty deposits, cholesterol, and other substances accumulate on the inner walls of the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow and increased stiffness in the arterial walls. Over time, atherosclerosis can result in serious cardiovascular problems, such as heart attacks and strokes, as the narrowed arteries can impede the flow of oxygen-rich blood to vital organs.

In contrast, arteriosclerosis is a broader term that refers to the thickening and stiffening of arterial walls, which can occur due to aging, diabetes, and hypertension, but it does not specifically denote plaque buildup as the primary cause.

Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease characterized by chest pain or discomfort due to inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle, often as a result of atherosclerosis, but it is not a condition that describes plaque buildup itself.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, relates to the force of blood against the artery walls and can contribute to arterial damage over time but does not directly refer to the process of plaque accumulation that characterizes atherosclerosis.