noun
Medical term for the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup. Often used in clinical contexts.
See also: アテローム性動脈硬化症
アテローム性動脈硬化は心筋梗塞のリスクを高める。
Atherosclerosis increases the risk of myocardial infarction.
アテローム性動脈硬化症 is the full disease name (atherosclerotic disease), while アテローム性動脈硬化 refers to the pathological process itself.
From German 'Atherom' (atheroma) + 性 (nature) + 動脈硬化 (arteriosclerosis). The exact derivation is uncertain; the term is a modern medical compound.